Why devote precious time to contrived plots and imagined scenarios?

As Gary Richards manipulates his characters through a contrived plot, the play finds no fresh life of its own.

But the picture does not need an elaborately contrived plot.

Or the idea of some kind of contrived plot.

The second series received very mixed reviews, with most critics saying it had left realism for high melodrama and contrived plots.

The review said: "Guzaarish is an affected film with a contrived plot and a severe Jesus complex.

He told The New York Times that he had no problem writing a contrived plot in service of character interactions.

In a contrived plot, Sylvester becomes involved with the release of a white prisoner, the prisoner's pretty young wife, and his accomplices in crime.

Its brilliantly contrived plot uncoils with the suspense of a thriller.

Reception of the novel was poor, with reviews citing a contrived plot and a bland lead character, though it was moderately financially successful.