![]() ![]() These are the things that naturally lend themselves to subplots. You might have accidentally skipped parts of the hero’s journey, or maybe you feel that some parts lack “meat” and need something extra. Subplots may have less of an impact on the story compared to the main plot, but they are important nonetheless.Īlso, take a look at where you can place subplots. You don’t want to end up with loose ends that the readers will question. Take care to wrap things up by the time the main plot ends. Subplots are stories too, they must have a clear progression from start to finish. Perhaps have a supporting character leave earlier in the story to seek help. You can prevent this by showing how these reinforcements journeyed to help the embattled people. All of a sudden, reinforcements come and save the day.Ī solution like this feels like a deus ex machina, and it’s not satisfying because there’s no explanation. Supplies are dwindling and they are severely outnumbered. The fighting is fierce and hasn’t let up for days. If your main story is told in the first person, try writing your subplots in the third person instead.įor example, let’s say your main characters are desperately defending a key position in the war. You can also use a different type of POV. Include scenes of other characters experiencing situations that the protagonist isn’t part of. You can fill in those gaps by using a different character’s point of view (learn more about doing this right in our post on point of view). There will be things that they miss or are unaware of. Remember, your protagonist is not omnipresent or omniscient. You don’t want to end up with a chunk of narrative that feels out of place or disconnected. You create a cohesive story by knowing how your subplots fit into the bigger picture. Will it enhance a character, a setting, or your world’s history? How do you start it and when will it end? This is also why you need to set down what the goal is. If you miss details or make mistakes, it will open up plot holes that can ruin the reading experience. Any actions that happen within the subplots can change the whole story. Keep in mind that subplots run alongside the main story. As I mentioned above, connections can be established through themes, settings, characters, or action. Without a connection, it serves no purpose. Subplots must be connected to the main plot in some way. How will this affect the main storyline? What is its goal? 5 Ways to Introduce Subplots to Your Storyįinding the right way to incorporate your subplots can be problematic, but there are a few ways you can do so successfully: 1. ![]() Meanwhile, Chandler’s inside an ATM vestibule with a model, whom he nervously tries to impress. The main plot follows five of the gang while they’re stuck in the apartment because of a blackout. This is usually near the end where everything has to be resolved.Ī good example of this can be found in The One with the Blackout episode of Friends. Many subplots eventually connect back to the main storyline. This connection can be through the theme, setting, characters, or action. Readers should always understand that the information contained in a subplot contributes to the overall plot in some way, even if it’s not apparent yet. However, a subplot’s goal is to strengthen the main storyline, not overpower it. ![]() It can go on tangents, depicting scenes and characters that don’t appear in the main plot. Along the way, you can accomplish side quests, which are, essentially, the subplots of the game. Think of it this way: When it comes to role-playing games, there’s a main quest that players must complete to finish the game. Subplots are smaller plots that run parallel to the main plot. What Is a Subplot?įirst, let’s define what a plot is: a series of events that affect each other and are connected by cause and effect. Subplots can turn any flat narrative into compelling, evocative, and multifaceted reads. That’s why all good stories need a subplot. Without any support, the perfect plot just collapses in on itself. ![]() Just as a tree needs secondary roots to help it stay upright, a good story is strengthened by the smaller events happening alongside it. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |