The weather 'affected' our plans. = The weather had an 'effect' on our plans. [=the weather caused us to change our plans]
This medication may 'affect' your ability to drive a car. [=this medicine may make it dangerous for you to drive a car]
Paralysis 'affected' his limbs. = His limbs were 'affected' by/with paralysis. [=his limbs were paralyzed]
(..) They can't kill me! I'm Francesca's long-lost son! Right. Could you sign? No! No way! I'm not signing that! I don't think that will affect the plot of the show. How can they do this to me? All right, I'm just gonna go. Sorry. Well, it wasn't that many guys. (..)1996 TvShow: Friends Title: The One Where Dr. Ramoray Dies Season: 2 Episode 18