The Do's and Don'ts of Crafting Subplots


Subplots are a story element that many writers misunderstand.

Oftentimes, subplots are divers as "secondary plotlines in a story". While this definition isn't incorrect, information technology besides isn't complete—and this oversimplification can lead writers to use subplots in misguided ways, such as needlessly lengthening or complicating their stories in pursuit of "better" storytelling.

While subplots tin make stories longer and more circuitous, these results should be past-products of effective secondary plotlines rather than 1's reason for writing them.

Like whatever skillful story element, subplots should serve a strong narrative purpose. The near effective subplots are those that exist because they must, because to nix the plotline would be to arts and crafts a narrative that feels insincere, half-baked, or unresolved.

Proficient subplots aren't merely subordinate storylines; they're secondary conflicts that arise from characters' actions & reactions as they engage with the story'south central conflict.

Subplots typically revolve effectually a story's secondary cast of characters, merely events in the chief characters' journeys tin can also produce integral secondary conflicts.

Photo by Varun Gaba on Unsplash

What types of subplots are commonly found in fiction?

Though a secondary conflict of any nature can serve a powerful role in your story, most subplots tend to fall into one of the following categories:

1: Mirror Subplot

A secondary graphic symbol experiences a disharmonize that mirrors the protagonist's chief dilemma, wittingly or unwittingly providing the protagonist with the insight or motivation they need to resolve their own conflict.

Case: In Holes by Louis Sachar, Elya Yelnats breaks his promise to carry Madame Zeroni up the mount, cursing himself and his family. The protagonist Stanley later breaks the family curse by carrying his friend Cipher, a.1000.a. Hector Zeroni, up the mountain called God's Thumb.

2: Romantic Subplot

The protagonist's relationship with a beloved interest complicates their journey to resolve the story's central conflict.

Example: When Capitol citizens make up one's mind that Katniss and Peeta would brand a handsome couple, the pair must engage in a imitation romance to better ensure their survival in The Hunger Games.

3: Parallel Subplot

A seemingly unrelated plotline occurs in tandem with the primary story until the two collide in exhilarating fashion. Alternatively, a subplot shows readers the story'south cardinal conflict through the eyes of a secondary character, showcasing two sides of the aforementioned story.

Example: Every bit Frodo and Sam journey to Mordor, the remaining members of the Fellowship experience journeys that pb them to wage war on Sauron, ultimately enabling Frodo and Sam to reach Mount Doom.

4: Complicating Subplot

A secondary character'south deportment complicate the protagonist's experience with the story'due south key disharmonize. Alternatively, a protagonist's fault results in a secondary conflict that complicates their journey.

Case: When Lydia runs away with Mr. Wickham, Darcy determines to find the couple to atone for his past mistakes and prove his affection for Elizabeth. These events force Lizzie to confront her unkind opinion of Darcy's character.

5: Foil Subplot

A secondary graphic symbol experiences a dilemma similar to the main grapheme's journey but strives to resolve the disharmonize in a different way, a contrast (or "foil") that highlights the protagonist's qualities and characteristics.

Example: Village, Fortinbras, and Laertes all seek to avenge their fathers' deaths. But where Fortinbras and Laertes seek concrete retribution, Hamlet crafts a play designed to publicly shame and humiliate his murderous uncle.

6: Bookend Subplot

A pocket-sized secondary conflict introduced early in the story remains largely untouched until afterwards the central conflict concludes. Having been changed by their journey, the protagonist can now resolve this secondary disharmonize, often cementing their transformation and establishing their new normal.

Case: Samwise Gamgee is too afraid to ask Rosie Cotton to dance before he leaves the Shire with Frodo. When he finally returns a braver Hobbit, he discovers he has the backbone to pursue Rosie'south paw.


How tin subplots lend depth to your story?

Though they're non strictly essential, subplots are oftentimes integral to a story'due south success because they put meat on the basic of the story's key conflict. How and then? Here are ten ways that a potent secondary plotline can lend depth to your story'southward narrative:


How tin can you develop constructive subplots for your story?

Secondary plotlines often emerge naturally every bit you craft your story'due south central conflict, merely you tin can create subplots from scratch should the need arise. Either way, here are 3 cardinal tips to bear in heed every bit you develop your story's secondary plotlines:

one: Your subplot must serve a narrative purpose

Effective subplots are integral to a story's key conflict. If you lot tin remove a subplot from your manuscript without gravely impacting your story's central disharmonize, then your subplot likely doesn't serve a strong narrative purpose.

When developing subplots, be honest about whether the secondary plotline truly adds to the overall success of the story you lot're trying to tell. How does it lend depth and clarity to your principal characters' journeys?

Length and complexity be damned, writer. If you're adding a subplot to your story to increase word count, inquire yourself whether the story is truly incomplete without those words. Improve a succinct novella than a novel full of fluff.

If you're hoping a subplot will brand your story more than complex, then consider whether your story truly lacks the necessary tension to engage readers without that added plotline. Needless complexity can hands make a story convoluted.

2: Remember that a subplot is nevertheless a plot

A secondary plotline is more than just a quick outcome or conversation; it'due south a narrative arc that needs its own showtime, middle, and end. Develop your story's subplots accordingly, paying special attention to the characters' goals, motivations, and the disharmonize they'll experience (i.e. the GMC).

3: Make sure your subplot knows its place

A good subplot doesn't steal the limelight. If you or your beta readers find your story'due south secondary plotlines more interesting than its main events, then information technology may exist time to reconsider the structure of your story.

Remember you know but the secondary plotline to lend depth and power to your story'due south narrative? Become ahead and weave that subplot into your manuscript, my friend. With purpose in heed, you lot'll craft a deliciously engaging novel that readers won't soon forget.

SSMEMockup.jpeg


GRAB YOUR Free GUIDE TO STORY STRUCTURE!

Spam isn't our jam. Unsubscribe at any time.