Characters:
* A mysterious or secretive character: The detective found himself chasing an elusive shadow, a thief who seemed to vanish into thin air.
* A character who is hard to understand or connect with: The protagonist struggled to decipher the elusive emotions of the enigmatic heroine.
* A character who is constantly on the move or changing: The elusive traveler was always just one step ahead of his pursuers.
Themes:
* A difficult-to-grasp concept or idea: The author explored the elusive nature of truth, showing how it could be interpreted in countless ways.
* A fleeting or intangible feeling: The characters chased after elusive happiness, forever searching for something they could never truly hold.
* A long-lost object or piece of information: The treasure hunters spent years searching for the elusive artifact, rumored to be hidden in a forgotten temple.
Plot Devices:
* Creating suspense and intrigue: The elusive villain kept the reader guessing, always one step ahead of the hero.
* Developing character arcs: The protagonist's journey might involve overcoming an elusive challenge, like finding their true identity or achieving a difficult goal.
* Adding complexity to the narrative: The elusive nature of a character or concept can make the story more thought-provoking and engaging.
Examples:
* "The killer's motive remained elusive, a puzzle that the detective couldn't solve."
* "She yearned for the elusive feeling of belonging, a sense of connection that seemed forever out of reach."
* "The elusive secrets of the ancient civilization were finally revealed after years of tireless research."
Ultimately, "elusive" in narrative can add a layer of mystery, depth, and complexity to the story, leaving the reader with a sense of intrigue and wonder.