Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Subplots
I’ve touched
on the subject of plots in the past, but lots of people have emailed asking to
know more about them, so here’s everything you need to know about them:
What are they?
The first
thing to know is that they’re not the enemy. The subplot is a secondary plot
(think of it as a mini-plot) to the main story, an additional story strand that
also runs parallel to the main story, or is interwoven
with the narrative.
Subplots
must always connect and relate to the main story. They play a supporting role
to the main story. It’s no use having a subplot about characters that only briefly
appear in your novel, because they won’t have been in the novel long enough for
the reader to care about them. The same is true if you have a subplot about
something that has absolutely nothing whatever to do with the story. It won’t
make sense to the reader, and it won’t make sense to the story as a whole.
Why do they happen?
Subplots happen
because
of the main story, not because it might be a good idea to add in something that
is totally unrelated, or you need to fill the story with extra unwanted
padding. They should arise logically and organically from the main story, so
try not to force them; otherwise you’ll end up with something that is
contrived.
Sometimes
they emerge naturally during writing, which could be anything from the
situations the characters get into, the backstory, the characters, a flashback
or even the theme(s).
Sometimes we
know before we start the novel that there may be one or two subplots, we may
have some ideas what they are.
What’s their purpose?
Subplots
have many functions. Primarily they are there to maintain the reader’s interest
and to also move the story forward by revealing either new characters or new
information which is pertinent to the story.
They may be
used to add additional obstacles and problems for the main character – the
subplots generally involves extra stuff the protagonist has to see to and yet still
be able to reach his or her goal by the end of the novel.
They also
help with characterisation, allowing the reader to see the main character in a
different way, with relationships and situations etc.
Another
thing to consider with subplots is that they layer and help bring numerous
elements together, collectively woven into the fabric of the main story. They
enrich a novel with context and complexity.
Doing this
will mean that the reader will then became part of the deepening story through
because they are privy to new parallel storylines, whereas your main character
may not. This can add suspense and tension.
Another
reason writers use subplots is to allow the reader a break from the main thrust
of the story, so they can breathe and reflect on what’s happened so far before
returning back to the main thread.
Do I have to have one?
No, you
don’t have to. There are no rules that say you need one, but it just helps the
story overall if you do have one or two. They do enrich the story.
How many can I have?
Some stories
have just one subplot others have two or three. Clever and complex novels may
have up to five subplots. Again, there
are no rules, just common sense.
Writers must
realise that the more subplots they incorporate, however, the more complex the
whole story gets and the more headaches it will cause trying to keep them from
wildly unravelling into a big mess.
One to three
subplots is more than adequate.
What Subplots should never do
- They should never be forced, never throw something into the story because you think the story “needs” it.
- They should never overwhelm or take over from the main story
- They should never lead away from the main plot and become lost in a sea of complexity
- They should never include stuff that has nothing to do with the main story
- They should never be about peripheral or ‘walk on’ characters that make no impact on the story arc.
- They should never be stand-alone stories – they have to have a connection to the main story.
- They should never be used as padding to fill your story out. If they don’t have purpose, don’t use them.
Remember to resolve all subplots
The most
important thing you need to do with any subplot is to resolve it by the end of
the novel, otherwise you will leave your reader wondering what happened to the
questions that the subplot posed by being there in the first place.
There is
nothing worse than following a subplot and not knowing what happens at the end!
Make sure
that you tie up those loose ends.
To
summarise:
- Subplots must connect to the main story.
- Subplots must happen for a reason and make sense together with the main story.
- Subplots should move the story forward. They should enrich, support and deepen the overall story.
- Subplots should reveal information about the main story, the situation or characters, which readers should become privy.
- Subplots should keep your reader interested.
- Subplots must always be resolved.
- There should ideally be no more than 2 - 3 subplots
Some people view subplots as difficult, others see them as a chore, when they're neither of these things. A subplot adds to the enjoyment of the story, the reader can become immersed in all the different threads you create, they will appreciate there is more to the story that first meets the eye.
They're not the enemy. Instead, use subplots to your advantage.
Next week: Self-publish or
traditional?
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