Asked by: Jessica Carter

Subplots are a tool that can heighten the tension and intensify the conflict in a story. They can add new plot points that deliver obstacles for the main character that result in a more dramatic climax. Subplots enrich character development. A secondary plot can reveal new information about a main character.

What is a subplot conflict?

Subplots can be what’s happening to secondary characters or an internal conflict your main character is facing in addition to the main conflict of your story. The key to an effective subplot is how you work it into the main plot.

What is conflict and tension in a story?

Defining Conflict and Tension

In its simplest state, a story is about a character trying to achieve something they want and/or need. Conflict, then, emerges from obstacles that stand in the way of what a character wants or needs. Tension emerges from the consequences of failing to achieve those wants and needs.

What are the types of subplot?

There are three main types of subplots: romantic, conflict, and expository.

What is an example of subplot in a story?

In the movie Forrest Gump, the main plot centers on Forrest telling his life story. A subplot of Forrest’s story would be when the audience gets small glimpses into his childhood love’s life. By adding these subplots, the audience is able to see what is happening in Jenny’s life as Forrest lives his.

What does subplot mean?

Definition of subplot

1 : a subordinate plot in fiction or drama. 2 : a subdivision of an experimental plot of land.

How do you find the subplot?

A literary technique, subplot is a secondary plot, or a strand of the main plot that runs parallel to it and supports it. It is usually found in plays, novels, short stories, television shows, and movies. It is also known as a “minor story,” or as “B” or “C” story.

What is a tension in a story?

Tension in a literary context is the sense that something ominous is right around the corner. Building a large amount of tension as a writer keeps your readers engaged up until the end of the story. Mystery novels are full of tension and foreboding, and they generally feature tense scenes from beginning to end.

What is a tension in a story example?

One popular theory is that tension is created by dread of an event. For example a scene in which a detective sneaks around a house is tense because the reader is constantly aware that he may be caught. This seems like a reasonable theory until you look at it a bit closer.

How do you describe tension in a story?

Think of tension as the thoughline connecting plot points, sub-plot points, and character development. Tension is made manifest through a buildup of suspense that is heightened as your protagonist’s situation changes.

What is another word for subplot?

Subplot synonyms

In this page you can discover 7 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for subplot, like: , , plotline, love story, back-story, storyline and storylines.

What is a conflict in literature?

In fiction, those problems are called conflict. More precisely, conflict means thwarted, endangered, or opposing desire. It’s basically when a character wants something but something else gets in the way. Maybe the character wants a thing but can’t get it.

What is the subplot of Harry Potter?

In this novel the subplots include: The development of a friendship between Harry and his two best friends and the subplot of the Mirror of Erised demonstrate Harry’s desire for family and belonging which reinforces the ending when he realises Hogwarts is his home and the people he has met there are his family.

What is the point of a subplot?

Subplots are a tool that can heighten the tension and intensify the conflict in a story. They can add new plot points that deliver obstacles for the main character that result in a more dramatic climax. Subplots enrich character development. A secondary plot can reveal new information about a main character.

How do you create a subplot?

A secondary plotline is more than just a quick event or conversation; it’s a narrative arc that needs its own beginning, middle, and end. Develop your story’s subplots accordingly, paying special attention to the characters’ goals, motivations, and the conflict they’ll experience (i.e. the GMC).

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.