What in the B-plot?
Understanding Subplots in Fiction Writing
As a fiction author, you’re likely familiar with the primary storyline, also known as the A-plot. This is the meat of the story that drives the main narrative of your book. However, to create a richer story, you’ll need to understand and utilize subplots or B-plots effectively. These secondary narratives deepen your characters, themes, and the overall reader experience. If you are familiar with the Save the Cat! method of plotting, you’ll know we have an entire beat related to B-plots and it is because of how important it is to the story.
What is a Subplot?
A subplot is a secondary storyline that runs parallel to the main plot. While the A-plot focuses on the primary goal or conflict of your story, subplots offer additional challenges, relationships, or themes.
This part of the narrative is typically tied closely to the protagonist. It might involve a romantic interest, a personal struggle, or a secondary character’s life.
Why Are Subplots Important?
Character Development: Subplots provide opportunities to show more of your characters’ personal lives, quirks, and growth arcs.
Theme: They allow you to talk more about themes that complement or contrast the main plot’s message. Think of the subplot as the argument in your character’s head as they navigate through the plot and make decisions.
Pacing and Tension: By shifting focus from the A-plot to a subplot, you can control the pacing and give readers a moment to breathe or build suspense.
Interconnected Worlds: Subplots make your story feel more realistic and immersive. They allow you to create richer stories and even form a thread to future books if you are writing a series.
Tips for Crafting Good Subplots
Tie Them to the A-Plot: Subplots should feel relevant, enhancing or contrasting the main storyline. Like a romance that develops because of another plot twist.
Develop Characters Further: Use subplots to show different parts of your characters’ personalities and relationships.
Balance the Focus: Don’t let subplots overshadow the A-plot, but make sure they’re engaging enough to hold readers’ attention.
Resolve Them: Like the main plot, subplots should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Unresolved subplots can frustrate readers. You can drag a subplot on if it stretches through multiple books so there are always exceptions.
Use Them Sparingly: Avoid cluttering your story with too many subplots. Each one should serve a distinct purpose. I like to have only one subplot per book but I write in a genre that is already meddled with details. Work according to what feels right for your story.
How to Identify Subplots in Your Story
Ask Questions: What secondary challenges do your characters face? What do they want outside of their main goal?
Look at Relationships: How do your characters’ interactions with others add depth? Is there one relationship that is more important to them than the others?
Consider Themes: What additional themes can you include to complement the main narrative? What else does your character need to learn?
Subplots are what take a good story to a story that readers can’t put down. What subplots are thinking of for your story? I’d love to hear about them!
Happy writing!