Writing Subplots Class Notes
What is a Subplot
Every novel has at least one plot. In simple terms, a plot is a sequence of connected events that
are bound together by cause and effect.
In most fully-formed stories, there are three aspects to the main plot.
1. External Conflict
2. Internal Conflict
3. Primary Relationship
Traits of a subplot:
- Connected to the primary plot, but does not supersede it
- Purpose is to strengthen and enhance the main story in some way
- Can diverge and describe events outside of the main story
- Has a character with a story goal who encounters setbacks and conflict
- Reaches a resolution of some sort
Simple steps to basic subplot creation:
1. Give the character a goal.
2. Make them struggle to achieve it.
3. Bring things to a resolution (win, lose or draw).
Why Use Subplots
- Increase Story Complexity
- Flesh the Story Out with Substance, not Filler
- Increase Tension
- Develop Characters
- Enrich Character Development
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- Regulate Pacing of the Story
- Push the Story Forward
- Vary Mood and Tone
- Develop Story Themes
- Support or Challenge a Moral Perspective or Idea
- Incorporate Backstory
- Solve gaps or issues within your main plot
Types of Subplots
- Mirror
- Contrast
- Complications
- Love/Romance
- Growth
- Habits, Addictions, Traits
- Fear
- Conflict
- Dreams
- Comedy
- Cause-and-Effect
Possible Characters with Individual Plot Lines
- Minor Characters
- Minor POV Characters
- Lesser Antagonizing Forces
- Villain
- Protagonist’s Minor Goals
Point of View and Plot Threads
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Any viewpoint character adds another thread to your plot. This does not mean a character
needs to be a viewpoint character
When telling the story of a secondary character, you have several options:
- Blend his Story with the Main Plot and do not make him a Viewpoint Character
- Turn his story into its own story thread as a Viewpoint Character
- Turn his story into its own thread but do not make him a Viewpoint Character
Choosing Subplots
All subplots must be relevant to the primary story.
Your protagonist has a goal and is facing a problem to get there. Ask:
- What is the protagonists primary plot problem and how can I make it worse? How can it be
worse in the active outside world? How can I make it worse in his personal life?
- How can I make this problem worse for other people? Who?
- How will people behave differently because of this problem?
- How can I broaden the scope of the problem?
Vary your subplots in terms of importance and intensity
Some, but not all, subplot options:
- The first is the main plot- the thing that drives the story
- The second will be an important thread that supports the primary plot thread either by
enhancing it or conflicting with it
- The third plot will be less substantive—more trivial—comic relief or a means to show
character emotion.
Start by looking at your story as a whole. What parts of your story naturally lend themselves to
subplots?
Ultimately, though, each plot thread must relate to the main plot, which means that, regardless
of the type – for each idea ask yourself “How does this complicate life for my protagonist?
Make sure your plot strand is necessary. A plot strand should either:
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1. Finish in the Climax.
2. Be essential to creating the Climax.
3. Be directly impacted by the Climax.
How to Plot/Plan Subplots
Begin by asking yourself:
- What do I want to accomplish with this subplot?
- What plot events/situations need to happen or my overarching plot to be completed?
- What interesting, fun events/situations do I think would make the story more fun but, at
this point, I am not sure how they fit in the overarching plot?
- What characters would I like to give more presence/life to?
- What aspects of my main character do I most want to bring out?
One of the best ways to brainstorm plot threads is to focus first on the characters you want to
bring out in the story. Then you can more or less write out their personal strands sequentially,
then line up all of these strands to see where they coincide, parallel, or converge.
Create an Arc for Each Subplot
- What is the goal of the main character in this subplot?
- How does this subplot affect the main story?
How to Weave Subplots into the Main Story (Subplot Structures)
There are numerous ways to weave plot threads together
- Episodes
- Parallel Stories
- Seemingly Disconnected Stories
- Converging Stories
- One Character, Multiple Stories
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- Spartan Stories
- Post-climax Closure
- Doorway Character
- Clues
- Breaking it Apart
Organizing Subplots
There are many ways to organize subplots.
- Plot Separately, then Weave
- List and Color Code Subplots
- Weaving strands together
RECOMMENDED COURSE VIEWING: NEXT STEPS
1. Great Scenes Megacourse This course will teach you all about the development that
takes place over the course of a scene. It will teach you how to craft at the scene level
and addresses many of the most common scene-writing questions.
2. Create a Scene Outline This course looks at the fundamentals of scene development and
specifically walks you through steps to outline your own scenes.
3. Write Believable Character Relationships This class is all about writing your characters
into the story and focuses on juxtaposing the characters in your story so that you choose
the most interesting, dramatic, strategic traits for each.
4. Dramatic Plots 101 This course will teach you the overarching plot structure of a
narrative, which is necessary to build smaller plot bites.
5. Point of View: Compelling Narrative Voice: This course addresses the many kinds of
point of view and how to write them.
RECOMMENDED VIEWING (FILMS MENTIONED)
- Casablanca
- The Uninvited
Make a Difference!
If you enjoy these courses, please leave a review! It helps your peers, and it helps me make
more courses!!
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Please also share the courses with friends using the shareable link on the course
page. It makes a BIG difference.
Thank you for your support and kindness! Best of luck with your writing! Barbara
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