What is a Subplot? Meaning, Examples & Types

• Nov 14, 2025
• 6 min read

• Tags: Book Writing, Novel Writing, Writers

It’s not just the major story that makes any storybook, film, or play, but also all these sub-stories that go side by side with the main ones. They tell stories the way a ‘thali’ does in an Indian home: not one dish, but many and varied kinds that complete the meal. These side stories we call subplots.

Subplots are what make stories come to life; they add depth and layers. They’re in the story for verisimilitude; we mean, nobody’s life is all about one thing. We all have a number of issues, relationships, and objectives at any given time in our lives, and subplots are a way to reflect that reality in the story.

Understanding subplots: the basics

What is a subplot?

A subplot can be described as a second, subordinate plot, or a strand of the main story that runs parallel to it. Scenario A is the main plot—it propels the central conflict and resolution, whereas scenario B is a subplot, which provides depth and contrast to the audience or reader of the story.

Think of a subplot as the garnish and sides in your meal. You could technically eat the main dish alone, but the addition of chutney, raita, or salad makes the meal more enjoyable.

Relationship to the main plot

A subplot is never completely separate. It either:

• Supports the main plot: Reinforcing the central theme or conflict.
• Contrasts with the main plot: Highlighting alternative perspectives.
• Intersects with the main plot: Influencing outcomes in subtle or dramatic ways.

For example, in many novels, a romantic subplot doesn’t just exist for fun—it often affects the choices characters make in the central storyline.

Key characteristics of subplots

• Secondary in importance: They are not the main focus but complement it.
• Interconnected: They usually tie back to the larger narrative.
• Thematic alignment: Good subplots explore themes similar to or contrasting with the main plot.
• Character-centric: Often provide opportunities for character growth beyond the main storyline.

Types of subplots

Not all subplots are the same. They have a different function in terms of narrative based on the story. Here are the main types:

1. Romantic subplots

These are the most prevalent in storytelling worldwide. And while the main story might be one of adventure, mystery, or conflict, a side helping of romance provides that extra emotional depth and connectivity.

2. Character development subplots

These are self-related developments or transitions. For instance, even though the main plot may focus on saving a community, a subplot could explore how one character learns to overcome self-doubt or repair family relationships.

3. Conflict subplots

A subplot can add a second challenge, though not usually as significant. This could be an antagonist, a moral temptation, or a problem for some sidekick to solve.

4. Thematic subplots

Others have subplots that function as mere reinforcement or contrast to the main theme. They can serve as a mirror to another aspect of the same issue.

5. Comic or relief subplots

Particularly in weighty or intense stories, comic subplots offer much-needed respite. They hold the audience without crushing it emotionally.

Functions and benefits of subplots

Then, let’s ask the question: What is one purpose for a subplot in a novel? Actually, there are several. Subplots aren’t just distractions on the side; they have pivotal roles:

Adding depth

Subplots help keep a story from becoming too one-dimensional. They add layers, which allow readers to feel as though they were navigating an entire world rather than a single through line.

Building characters

Through subplots, writers can reveal things about their characters that the main plot would never allow. For example, a subplot that involves a character’s relationship with their sibling may reveal his or her softer side while the main plot portrays their professional struggles.

Maintaining engagement

Readers or viewers appreciate variety. Just as eating too much of the same dish is tiring, so is honing in on a single plotline. Story subplots differ in tone, tempo, and focus.

Reinforcing themes

Subplots are strong instruments to reinforce the same themes in a diverse manner. For instance, in a story with the overarching theme of sacrifice, a sub-plot may reveal another character demonstrating an act of relatively minor but poignant sacrifice.

Pacing the narrative

Tactful subplots are like pauses in music; they let audiences breathe before the next big thing arrives. They can prolong the climax just enough for a little anticipation.

Creating emotional resonance

Multiple facets of life make audiences feel connected. Emotions such as love, friendship, or loss are frequently dealt with in subplots, making the overall story more recognizable to audiences.

How to identify subplots in stories

If you’re wondering whether a storyline is a subplot or not, ask yourself these questions:

• Does the story still make sense without it? If yes, it’s a subplot.
• Does it involve side characters or a secondary conflict? Likely a subplot.
• Does it loop back to or influence the main story? Then it’s a meaningful subplot.

Subplots are usually optional for the story’s survival but essential for its richness.

Common mistakes with subplots

While subplots are worthwhile, they can also go very wrong. Here are common mistakes:

Overloading the story

So many subplots can confuse audiences. Writers often forget that readers can only carry so many narrative strands at any given moment.

Irrelevant subplots

A subplot that doesn’t return at the end of some act or another and isn’t clearly connected to either the theme or characters feels like a filler. Each subplot needs a purpose.

Unequal balance

If a subplot gets too much focus, it can eclipse the main plot. And on the other hand, if it’s too underdeveloped, then it feels unearned.

Abrupt endings

Sometimes, writers leave subplots unresolved. This is annoying for an audience who’ve actually sunk some emotion into said storylines.

Inconsistency

The second lines must be kept in accord with the mood and style of the first. A sharp tonal change can be jarring.

Examples from different media

To comprehend subplots more intuitively, I’m first going to show you how they work in some examples of storytelling:

Literature

Complex novels like Cloud Atlas use multiple subplots woven across different timelines, each exploring a separate character, era, and conflict. These subplots seem independent at first, but gradually reveal deeper thematic connections such as power, oppression, and reincarnation. Together, they show how individual stories resonate across centuries, enriching the novel’s overall impact.

Film

Movies such as Love Actually are practically built entirely on subplots, with each character’s love story forming a standalone mini-narrative. These subplots vary in tone—some humorous, others emotional or bittersweet yet they all reinforce the central theme of love in its many forms. By the end, the film ties these stories together, creating a tapestry of relationships that feels cohesive and satisfying.

Television

In long-running series like Game of Thrones, each character’s journey acts as a subplot that ultimately shapes the fate of the Seven Kingdoms. These subplots span political ambition, personal redemption, family loyalty, and moral conflict, allowing viewers to engage with multiple layers of the story simultaneously. The constant interplay between subplots keeps the narrative dynamic and unpredictable.

Theater

Plays like A Midsummer Night’s Dream contain comic subplots such as the misadventures of Bottom and the mechanicals, which contrast with the main romantic storyline. These humorous moments offer relief from the emotional intensity of the lovers’ plot and highlight the absurdity of human behavior. The subplots also intersect with the main story, adding magical chaos that ultimately leads to a joyful resolution.

To conclude, it’s the side trip that enriches the main story. Subplots may not be the main course, but they help make the storytelling feast complete. They provide variation, they develop characters and themes, and they keep us emotionally engaged.

Writers need to learn how to write subplots, period. They should have a reason, weigh on the main plot, and be connected. Executed with expertise, subplots can translate an ordinary story into a memorable experience.

The next book you crack or film you see, pay attention to subplots. You’ll discover just how much they enrich the story, and you might even find that it’s the subplot that sticks with you long after the story comes to a close.

If you’re planning to self-publish your novel or short story, PaperTrue is a self-publishing platform that offers everything from editing and formatting to cover design and book marketing. Our experts help authors bring their stories to life and make them publication-ready for both print and digital platforms. 

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Tanvi

With a foundation in Life Sciences, Tanvi enjoys curating technical writing tips tailored for ESL students. When she's not translating complex concepts into bite-sized nuggets, she can be found playing with dogs or painting landscapes.