What is a subplot?
Last week we talked about what plotting was. This week we will talk about what a subplot is and what to do with them.
First, what is a subplot?
According to the Literary Devices website that gives Definition and Examples of Literary Terms; a literary technique, a subplot is a secondary plot or a strand of the main plot that runs parallel to it and supports it. It is usually found in plays, novels, short stories, television shows, and movies. It is also known as a “minor story,” or as “B” or “C” story. Its purpose is to add complexity and depth to the story and thereby increases tension – a state of high interest and suspense about events in a story. Not only does it show various aspects of the characters, connecting the readers with them, but it is also a story within a story.
Why is it different from the main plot?
If the above is the case then a subplot is there to help and make the main plot more interesting. You will often see on writing worksheets see places for more than one subplot.
Examples in Literature.
Example #1: Romeo and Juliet (By William Shakespeare)
Romeo and Juliet, the love story of the two leading title characters is the main plot. The 1st subplot is the rivalry between their families (the Capulets and the Montagues). The 2nd subplot is the conflict of the restrictions placed on young lovers’ romance further adds to the drama in the story.
Without the two other subplots, it would just be a story of two leading characters falling in love. The subplots add tension and drama.
How to use subplots?
What a subplot does is describe hidden desires and reasons behind the actions of the major characters. The secondary strand has two effects on the plot, it ties directly to the main plot and characters, and puts an immediate effect on situations and characters.
Another way is that subplots can run parallel to the main story. Serving as a contrast to explain decisions made by the characters. They can create justifications for actions, and unexpected actions taken by characters and antagonists. They can also add back-story, or reminiscing elements, to the main plot without impacting the pace of action. They can also provide contrast to the main plot.
How I use subplots?
I write romance suspense. Romance as a genre in itself has some conflict and drama. You have the character’s inner goals and desires and their outer goals and desires. Sometimes these clashes. You also have two different personalities coming together. So I have to keep track of their growth arc and their goals and desires.
But when you add suspense. That adds the subplot of how the outside element impacts my main characters.
I’m also writing a book series. That adds a cast of characters with their own secrets, desires, and lives that impact my main characters and create subplots that won’t pay off right away.
How do you use subplots?
How do you keep track of your subplots?
What is your favorite subplot in literature, movies, video games, plays?
What subplots am I working on this month?
I’m still working on a short story for the Fire Series. It’s a story that happens between books 2 and 3. The subplots in this story are:
The band Home looking for a replacement guitarist for the tour
Tony getting involved in the soup kitchen because of Raven wanting to volunteer there
Tony meeting Guy an ex-military homeless person
Mallory’s feeling about going to visit her family for the holidays
Travis’s fears and worries and the impacts that has on both of them
Security for the band Home’s tour
Tony and Anna’s relationship and the changes they’ve gone through
The soup kitchen’s needs and the owner's desires and goals
If you would like to get a chance to read this short story when it’s ready. Become either a Wing’s member or sign up for my newsletter here.
What else am I working on this month?
I am slogging my way through the Line edits on book 2 The Fire Within. I had a lovely meeting with my Line Editor yesterday.
veracity
noun | vuh-RASS-uh-tee
Definition
1 : conformity with truth or fact : accuracy
2 : devotion to the truth : truthfulness
3 :power of conveying or perceiving truth
4 :something true
Did You Know?
Veracity has been a part of English since the early 17th century, and we can honestly tell you that it derives from the Latin adjective vērāx ("truthful"), which in turn comes from the earlier vērus ("true"). Vērus also gives us verity ("the quality of being true"), verify ("to establish the truth of"), and verisimilitude ("the appearance of truth"), among other words. In addition, vērāx is the root of the word veraciousness, a somewhat rarer synonym and cousin of veracity.
Merch of the Week
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What am I reading this week?
Freebie of the month:
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