By the nature of being an encyclopedia covering works of fiction, [[WP:DISC|Wikipedia contains spoilers]]. It is traditional for Wikipedia articles on fiction (including [[WP:FA|featured articles]]) to summarize the work's plot in the section fairly early on (often immediately following the lead, though in other cases after a background section or list of characters and the actors who play them). InformationNothing should not be intentionally omittedhidden from summariesthe reader in an effortorder to avoid "spoilers" withinruining the encyclopedia article. (Spoiler warnings were used early in the projectsurprise, butnor theshould consensusa ofspoiler editorswarning was that this practice was unencyclopedic so their use has beenbe discontinueddisplayed.)
However, when summarizing a plot and choosing what details to include, editors should use discretion. The advantages of exhaustive coverage of the work are in dynamic tension with the desire to preserve the artistic qualities of the work for readers.<ref>This standard parallels the dynamic tension between the policy that [[WP:NOTCENSORED|Wikipedia is not censored]], and the practice of not tolerating sensationalism or offensiveness for its own sake.</ref> Wikipedia should contain potentially "spoiling" detail where it substantially enhances the reader's understanding of the work and its impact, but be omitted when it merely ruins the experience of the work of fiction for our readers.
