How to Write Subplots
Subplots are the simplest, if not best, way to give your story depth. They add new layers and dimensions to a plot, preventing it from wandering aimlessly towards the resolution. They also provide insight into different parts of the main character's personality or backstory. Besides all that, subplots are lots of fun to write.
But wait, what's a subplot again?
Let me explain it this way.
We know that any plot consists of the protagonist pursuing a goal. A novel's main plot will have an introduction, a build-up, a climax, and then a resolution. There will be an antagonist, or several, and plenty of tension written in.
A subplot is similar. It, too, will be founded on a character--usually the main character--pursuing a goal. Only, it's written more like a short story, woven into a novel. It has the same structure, with the climax and resolution and all that. But the subplot should be watered down, at least compared to the main plot.
A good example of this is found in the TV series called 'Hornblower', which ran from 1998 to 2003. It follows Horacio Hornblower, an officer of the Royal Navy during the French Revolution. The main plot of the story here involves a lot of action, as Horacio and his crew fight to win the war. Will they survive? Will the next mission be a success? These questions, and the character himself (being well-written) are enough to keep the audience engaged without any subplots. Yet there is a subplot included.
Not far into the story, during the first completely peaceful episode, we're introduced to a young lady in Horacio's life. It's made clear that this woman is in love with him. But sadly for her, the love isn't mutual. Horacio feels guilty to lead her on but is too much of a gentleman to risk hurting her feelings. And so, things escalate until eventually.....he proposes to her.
That is only the first part of the story's subplot! Can you see how it could take the tension up a notch, for the plot overall?
There are so many variations of what a subplot can be. In the main plot of an action novel, your protagonist could be trying to save the world. Meanwhile, in the subplot, his best friend is trying to keep the family dog from getting killed.
Or in a romance, the protagonist struggles in their love life as well as in their financial life. When they aren't going on dates, they're arguing with the landlord about overdue rent.
In both cases, the main plot and subplot work together to move the story along. If one slows down, another takes the lead.
When writing your own subplot, remember to get creative and look at your novel's world through different perspectives.
You should also try to learn something from Hornblower.
If its subplot were removed, the main story wouldn't change a whole lot. There would still be the war to fight, and the action that comes with fighting it. But during those calmer moments, when Horacio is allowed to return home, what is there to show that he has a life beyond the war? The tension we'd felt before would die down and disappear until Horacio was called on another mission.
This won't always wreck your story's tension. A really good writer won't need a subplot to keep the story flowing. Even beginners don't exactly need to write subplots. It's all your choice, whether you think writing a subplot will move the story forward or not. Doing it is recommended, but not necessary.
Find out more about writing subplots here:
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/7-ways-to-add-great-subplots-to-your-novel
I hope this helps you!
Exams are right around the corner and I'm afraid....very afraid. But let's hope for the best. I'll see you all next week, if I'm still alive.
Thank you so much for reading!
