

Subplots support central themes with secondary examples and illustrations (E.G.They add variety to the story, keeping its cast and events interesting.Subplots thus serve multiple plot purposes: Martin’s series, when the character Theon Greyjoy seizes Winterfell castle, subplots involving broken alliances and pacts add engrossing complications. The evolving situation at home with his cruel aunt and uncle adds depth and opposition. In Harry Potter, romantic subplots such as Harry’s growing relationship with a secondary character add romantic tension. These ‘grand’ story arcs are the main, thickest threads of narrative, but subplots add depth, detail, tension and intrigue to the whole story. Martin’s ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ series, the main plot is the battle between Martin’s world’s inhabitants for the lands of Westeros. In the Harry Potter series, this is the inevitable conflict between Harry and the series’ villain, Lord Voldemort. The main story arc in a novel is what the story’s action and character development orbit around. Read 5 tips for writing subplots, including useful examples of subplots from books: First, why use subplots? Subplots are the additional minor arcs that help develop characters, themes and settings.


What is a subplot? It’s a secondary plot in a novel, play or movie.
