![]() For example, there are numerous fantasy books where the protagonist undergoes some kind of training or learning about magic, which gives the reader a greater insight into how magic functions in the world. In science fiction and fantasy books, it’s common for subplots to serve as a way to show various aspects of the world that otherwise might not be explored in the course of the main plot. In that case, a subplot might serve the dual function of developing a secondary character and paralleling, emphasizing, or contrasting the main theme or message of the book. Ideally, this subplot might mirror or contrast with your main character’s arc, thus relating back to the core narrative. While the main plot will be driven by your main character’s arc, a subplot might focus more on the arc of a side character, romantic interest, or even an antagonist. Or you might have a subplot that helps you develop one or more secondary characters. Well-written romantic subplots can help deepen a character arc, and create an additional avenue for a character to confront their deeply held beliefs and change. An example of this is a romantic subplot. While your main plot should be driven by the arc of your character, a subplot can deepen or complicate this main character arc. ![]() ![]() Some subplots can serve as an additional way to develop your characters. Often, subplots will serve more than one of these functions–the best subplots can pull double or triple duty. There are lots of different reasons you might want to include a subplot, and I doubt I could cover them all, so I’m just going to outline some basic functions subplots can serve in your narrative. Now that I’m exploring some new projects, I’m starting to think more specifically about subplots, how they function, and how to balance them in a narrative.įirst, let’s talk about why we need subplots and what function they serve in a story. ![]() While there are subplots in my books, the challenge of writing subplots was sort of subsumed in the multiple POV structure. And what better way to think through a writing concept than to write about it? We have talked a lot about plotting before–what is plot, how we structure it, methods for how to plot–but one thing we haven’t done an in-depth post on is subplots.įor my part, subplots are not something I’ve had to super consciously think about while writing the Age of Darkness series. In the grand tradition of Writer’s Block Party, this week’s post is about a topic that I’m in the midst of trying to master for myself. ![]()
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