Conspiracies (5)
'conspiracies' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for plots that I've seen before include "Schemes" , "Conspires" , "Stories in novels or plays" , "Plans" .)
(Other definitions for schemes that I've seen before include "''The best-laid ... o' mice an' men Gang aft a-gley''" , "Plans, plots, projects" .)