The Clever Subplot
Many stories have subplots, a secondary story told within the main one. You see this a lot in TV, for example. Most episodes in this medium have one main plot and one or two subplots. They can often stand alone, but I believe it makes for a better substory if it serves the main story line.
I'm going to use math to make my point. Don't worry though, no calculus will be involved.
First, take a look at the equation:
5 + 15 x 2 = X
If the subplot stands alone, it plays out in a linear fashion (and has no connection to the main story). In that scenario, you'd come up with X = 22. But let's look at the equation where the subplot is needed to force the story's climax and resolve the main plot. That equation is:
5 + (15 x 2) = X
If you see what's inside the parentheses as subplot, then you realize that it must first be evaluated before the final value of the main story line is revealed. In this case, X = 35.
Subplots that stand alone are essentially fillers, albeit, interesting ones that can offer character development. But subplots that play a role in the overall story outcome are more intriguing and satisfying for the reader.
I'm going to use math to make my point. Don't worry though, no calculus will be involved.
First, take a look at the equation:
5 + 15 x 2 = X
If the subplot stands alone, it plays out in a linear fashion (and has no connection to the main story). In that scenario, you'd come up with X = 22. But let's look at the equation where the subplot is needed to force the story's climax and resolve the main plot. That equation is:
5 + (15 x 2) = X
If you see what's inside the parentheses as subplot, then you realize that it must first be evaluated before the final value of the main story line is revealed. In this case, X = 35.
Subplots that stand alone are essentially fillers, albeit, interesting ones that can offer character development. But subplots that play a role in the overall story outcome are more intriguing and satisfying for the reader.
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