Hello, friends!
Today we'll discuss the subplots and their importance in writing.
SUBPLOTS are parts of the story plot where events occur that are not part of the central story or plot.
Having subplots in your story adds depth and complexity. It can also intensify the emotions around the main plotline.
Let's get into it!
SUBPLOT can be a nice place for a different character's POV, whether an antagonist, a side-character or even someone unimportant. The key is for it to make sense with the main plot and to connect to it somehow.
Of course, a subplot can still revolve around the MC, for example it can explore their love life.
SUBPLOT is not its own entity and it should always serve the main plot.
You can have numerous subplots in your story, but be wary to not complicate things too much or make them too messy for readers to understand.
EXPOSITORY SUBPLOT
→ reveals backstory of a character / the world they're living in
CONTRASTING SUBPLOT
→ a side-character goes through similar troubles as the main character, but makes decisions with the opposite outcome
COMPLICATING SUBPLOT
→ follows a character who ends up making things worse for the MC
FRAME SUBPLOT
→ tells another story or sets up how the main story has reached the reader
SUPPORTING SUBPLOT
→ centred on a character whose goals and motivations match those of the MC, but in which events happen in a separate location or time frame
Now, what is MIRRORING and how does it relate to subplots?
MIRRORING is "ideas and themes reflected in characters and situations around the protagonist. Sometimes they match the protagonist's emotions or choices, other times they reflect the opposite, but they deepen the story by allowing the protagonist (and reader) to "experience" other potential outcomes without derailing the story" (source: blog.janicehardy.com)
Examples of mirroring could be:
• a side character going through a similar situation as the MC, but they deal with it in different ways and make different choices
• to show a consequence: where the MC chose to fix a problem, the side character chose not to and it turned out very bad
• to give an example: there could be someone the MC envies or adores and they want to be like them
• a side character has a polar opposite opinion / belief on something compared to the MC
So as you can see, subplots are a perfect place for mirroring. For example in my story My Nepenthe many side characters go through things similar to the MC, but deal with it in their own unique ways and readers can see how that goes.
When is it a good idea to use a subplot?
→ when things seem too easy, it may be good to introduce a little complication via a subplot
→ when you feel like you're not giving certain characters justice
→ when the world you're writing about feels too flat / too empty
→ for foreshadowing
→ to expand on something the main plot didn't have space for (only if it matters though)
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