Plots and Subplots in Fiction Writing

Ever wondered exactly what a subplot is and how to add subplots to your story? Need some inspiration to lift a sagging storyline? Adding a subplot can make a big difference to the success of your story writing.A plot is the framework of any story, the events that take place over time and space within the context of the story. Most stories usually have one main plot but they may have a number of subplots. So what do we mean by main plot and subplot?

The Main Plot

A plot in its simplest form is a series of events. The way in which the characters react to these events builds up the story.
First let’s determine what a main plot is. The main plot in a story is what happens to the main character from the start to the end of the story. It can often be summed up in one sentence. For example, what is the main plot of The Wizard of Oz?

Answer - A little girl is swept away by a tornado into a strange world and finally succeeds in getting back home.

Subplots

In the Wizard of Oz  there are a number of subplots that occur throughout the story as well, such as the killing of the wicked witch and the journey to Oz along the yellow brick road.

Subplots weave in and out of the main plot. They should add substance to the story. Think of some stories you know well. Can you identify the main plot? And how many subplots can you think of?
A good way to illustrate plot and subplot is to look at a typical love story framework. The main plot is always going to be about what happens to the star crossed lovers. But there may be a subplot in there that shows another couple also moving along the road to romance - it may be the Aunt or the best friend - you will often see this in love stories where there is more than one happy ending.

Character vs Plot

Some stories are character driven and some are plot driven. This does not mean that a character driven story has no plot or vice versa. Both character and plot must be present in a good story.

In a character driven story it will be the reactions and actions of the characters that create the next situation in the plot. For example in The Thorn Birds it is the actions of the characters that often determines the next series of events.

In a plot driven story events occur over which the characters have no control, and therefore they have no choice but to react to these events as they happen. A disaster epic such as Titanic would be a good example of a plot driven story. The main characters have no control over what happened to them but they do have control over how they react to those events (character). Can you think of the subplots in Titanic?

Subplot Ideas
Always be sure that any subplots you introduce have a direct connection with the main plot. Remember you are adding to the main plot, not developing a different story altogether. Think of how you could introduce a subplot that could add conflict to the main plot.

For example say your main character needs to get to a very important meeting by 10 a.m. His teenage daughter chooses that day to run away. Her problems and reasons for running are the subplot. But they add tension to the main plot by creating an obstacle for the main character – what does he do?

Here is another example: Your hero’s best friend is dying in hospital. He desperately wants the hero to visit him, but if he does the hero will lose an opportunity to reach his goal. What does he do? The friendship and the illness would be part of a subplot, and would create suspense for your reader who will want to find out what the main character decides to do.

So when you write your stories try and add a subplot or two to flesh out the main plot - it will always add depth to your story and make it more interesting to your readers.

Fiona Greybe