Writing subplots: types of storyline

The role of the storyteller is to, erm… tell a story! However, there is a delicate balance between threading in extra details about a backstory or other characters and creating a maze of confusing details that end up confusing the main plot.

Subplots are separate arcing stories happening in the background that reveal more information and add an extra dimension to the overall tale. Extra depth in plots like a secret romance, a deeper motivation or other interesting tidbits to colour the overall story. Let’s delve into some good types and implementations, shall we?

Types of subplot

There are actually a few different types of subplot, which can be used in a novel or story for a variety of reasons and have been previously put to good use in novels and writing over many different genres!

Mirror Subplots = The main character’s conflict is mirrored by the past, another character or a set of circumstances to teach them a lesson or highlight the clues they need to solve their own problems.

Parallel Subplots = Something cooking peacefully in the background, almost forgotten about, will soon spill over and affect the main character’s storyline directly! Often, this is a chance for a secondary character’s viewpoint and alternative opinion to provide another retelling of the main events.

Romantic Subplots = Yuck. Love will get itself in the way of your character’s main motivations, or even act as a boon to them in achieving their goals, usually coming in the form of a love interest. Interestingly, these subplots can have the power to help the main character in their quest, or throw conflict at them instead and make things a lot harder!

Contrasting Subjects = Also known as foils, a contrasting subject is tackled by another character who may be facing a similar problem, however, it will be dealt with in a totally opposing way as to how the main character would or does handle their own issues. These are used to highlight the difference in approach, characteristics, morals and other aspects of a character.

Complicating Subplots = This is where things get messy – whether a secondary character’s actions or a main character’s mistake are to blame, the main overarching story now has added grit in the form of yet another problem to solve, a tragedy to overcome or some other roadblock – just when things were looking up, too!

Overarching Subplot = Sometimes called a bookend subplot, at the very start of the story, seeds will be sown that soon languish in the background as the main plot takes central stage. After all of the main story is said and done, the character is now better equipped to solve the issues that were previously too mountainous, thanks to their newfound knowledge, strength, courage, or whatever else they found along the way!

Add dimension, not distraction

Over all else, it’s important to prioritise the main storylines – the subplots are there to add flavour, but not overpower the main flavours of your writing. Sometimes they will grow or shrink as the story allows, but they should never dwarf the main action or characterisation, and should always work to enhance the main narrative.

To contradict that as quickly as it was written, these subplots aren’t just throwaway pinches of intrigue, and should be as fully fleshed out as needed, with their own start, beginning or end. They are extremely useful for moderating the pace and tone of the work, reveal more about the story from an alternate perspective, and build suspense, so use them wisely!

Sub-what?!

That was some more information on subplots and their main uses and types. Of course, it’s at your discretion as to how (or even if!) you choose to implement one – or more – in your work, but they should pack a punch of their own, not at the expense of your main plot.