What is the difference between main plot and subplot?

In simple terms, a plot is a sequence of connected events that are bound together by cause and effort. The subplot is a side story that exists within the main plot. The subplot is connected to the main story but never overpowers it.

Can a story have multiple plots?

Weaving several plot lines through a story creates a multilevel narrative arc. A story with just a main plot can come off as flat, but a story with subplots in addition to the main plot has complexity and depth. This makes the story more engaging for readers.

What are some good sub plots?

20 High-Stake Subplot Ideas That Aren’t Romantic

• mystery – a “whodunnit” subplot.
• someone is keeping a secret from the main character.
• the main character is keeping a secret from someone else.
• a character is ill or injured, and their life is at stake.
• a business is failing.
• a character or organization has money problems.

What is meant by the plot and sub plot of a story?

In fiction, a subplot is a secondary strand of the plot that is a supporting side story for any story or for the main plot. Subplots may connect to main plots, in either time and place or thematic significance. Subplots often involve supporting characters, those besides the protagonist or antagonist.

How many subplots is too many?

Unless you’re a master writer, you shouldn’t use more than 2 subplots to your main one.

How do you balance multiple stories?

Make the plots relevant to each other.



Balance is key when writing multiple plot lines as well. Your readers will not look favorably upon your work if you introduce a character’s conflict, and then don’t come back to it for 200 pages. Readers want to come along on the journey, so don’t leave them out in the cold.

How do you connect stories?

Tie characters together by their love—or hatred—of someone or something else. Tie characters by their proximity to other characters or story events. Join characters through their motivations and goals, their backgrounds, their skills, and by their secrets.

What are the different types of plots?

7 Types of Plots

• Tragedy. In a tragedy, your main character should undergo a major change of fortune — almost always from good to bad, happy to sad. …
• Comedy. …
• Hero’s Journey. …
• Rags to Riches. …
• Rebirth. …
• Overcoming the Monster. …
• Voyage and Return.

How many plots are in a story?

According to Mr. Booker, there are only seven basic plots in the whole world — plots that are recycled again and again in novels, movies, plays and operas. Those seven plots are: 1.

How many plots can a story have?

Writers of fiction ofter encounter books and articles discussing the number of possible plots available for novels, short stories, and films. Some say six or seven, another influential list includes 36 situations, and others list dozens or even hundreds of possibilities.

How many plots should a story have?

Many academics, most notably author Christopher Booker, believe there are only seven basic narrative plots in all of storytelling – frameworks that are recycled again and again in fiction but populated by different settings, characters, and conflicts.

How many plots are in a story?

According to Mr. Booker, there are only seven basic plots in the whole world — plots that are recycled again and again in novels, movies, plays and operas. Those seven plots are: 1.

Why might a story have more than one plot?

One reason for a narrative to have multiple plot lines is to create suspense throughout the course of the story’s plot. Another reason is the emphasize a central theme to which multiple sub-plots contribute.

Can you have 2 protagonists?

Dual protagonists are characters who are both the central actors in a story, work toward a shared or similar goal, and take up approximately the same amount of screen time. Like most protagonists in film, they must both embark on inner and outer journeys that culminate in an emotional or physical change.

Can there be 2 main characters?

So can you write a story with more than one main character? The short answer is: yes. You can write your novel any way you like, so long as it works in practice. Many writers, especially those writing in genres such as fantasy and sci-fi, have multiple main characters in their novels.