Subplot disconnected from Main Plot?

[Dana]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a second opinion. How do you guys feel about subplots that are disconnected from the main plot? Do they have to tie in to the main plot?

I think most novels have some type of subplot (romantic interest, personal struggle, financial struggle, etc), but in my experience they are directly intertwined with the explosive high-stakes dangers that sell the book.

But my book features three characters that are related and introduced, but afterwards are mostly separated. Only one of them handles the main plot, and the other two share smaller subplots. Would this be okay? Or would this be distracting or hinder the enjoyment of the book?

[Gifford]

I think we need more information. What relationship do the characters have to one another? Is there a central thread that connects them (ie: they all work for the same organization)? How close are their relationships (just former co-workers or lifelong friends? Do they still have contact with one another?)

I use separate sub-plots in my books and very few people have complained. But there's always something that hooks them into the main plot or the main characters. If you can show a relationship that connects them, I think you can accomplish it without it being distracting.

[Dana]

Hi Gifford,

They are siblings. Four teenagers/young adults. One brother is separated. One (the main character) enlists on a journey to find the lost brother but encounters life threatening danger. I also want to explore the lost brother's point of view as he has found help but struggles with his memory. And the two other siblings who don't go on the journey with the MC find themselves in their own conflict at home.

[Thom]

How does the story read without the subplots? Do the people in the subplots somehow teach us something about the character in the main plot, or about the world at large which will come in as handy information later, during main plot time?

[Harlyn]

If I get your recent message right, it somehow develops the character of the lost sibling? If yes, then, you are good to go.

Some readers will raise questions about what happened to the character if you haven't added such a subplot. But you have to decide how much of the character they SHOULD know. If the character isn't THAT relevant to the plot then just a bit to satisfy their curiosity and not leave them wondering if the character has just...poofed...varnished.

I hope this helps in some way.

[Dana]

Hello Harlyn,

The answer to your first question is yes =)
That helps, thanks for your response.

Thom -
I haven't tried reading it without the subplots, I may have to give that a go. The answer to your questions is no, they don't teach about the main plot & character, but moreso the relevant plot & character going on. The subplots would deepen the overall worldbuilding, but not necessarily in a way that affects the outcomes of the main plot.