How to Develop Subplots That Add Depth to Your Novel

Introduction
Subplots are a fantastic way to add complexity and richness to your story. They provide opportunities to explore secondary themes, deepen character development, and enhance the overall narrative. However, subplots must be carefully crafted to support rather than detract from the main plot. In this post, I’ll guide you through how to develop subplots that add meaningful depth to your novel.

Step 1: Identify What’s Missing
To create effective subplots, start by examining your main plot and identifying areas where additional layers could enrich the story.

• Assess the Main Plot: Look for gaps or aspects of the story that could be further explored or enhanced. Consider what additional elements could make the narrative more dynamic.
• Explore Character Depth: Think about your characters’ backgrounds, relationships, and personal challenges. What aspects of their lives could be highlighted to add complexity?

Example: If your main plot focuses on a hero’s quest, a subplot could delve into a character’s unresolved personal issue or a secondary character’s struggle that parallels the main conflict.

Step 2: Tie the Subplot to the Main Plot
Ensure that your subplot enhances and complements the main storyline. This connection helps maintain narrative cohesion and relevance.

• Integrate with Main Plot: Make sure the subplot is intertwined with the main plot. It should either support or contrast the central conflict to provide additional layers of meaning.
• Develop Characters: Use the subplot to reveal more about your characters’ motivations, relationships, or growth. This can provide a more rounded and engaging story.

Example: If your protagonist is dealing with a personal loss, a subplot could focus on a secondary character’s journey to mend a broken relationship, reflecting similar themes of healing and reconciliation.

Step 3: Maintain Balance
While subplots add depth, they should not overshadow the main plot. Keep the balance between the primary and secondary storylines to ensure both are engaging and contribute meaningfully to the narrative.

• Focus on Relevance: Ensure that the subplot remains relevant to the overall story and does not divert too much attention from the main plot.
• Keep it Engaging: Develop the subplot with its own arc and resolution, but ensure it seamlessly integrates into the larger narrative.

Example: A subplot involving a secondary character’s personal growth should be compelling but should ultimately serve to enrich the main character’s journey or contribute to the resolution of the primary conflict.

Step 4: Resolve the Subplot
Ensure that the subplot has its own resolution that ties back to the main plot or provides closure for the secondary characters involved.

• Provide Closure: Resolve the subplot in a way that complements the ending of the main plot. This helps tie together the various narrative threads.
• Reflect Growth: Show how the resolution of the subplot impacts the main characters or storyline, highlighting how the secondary plot has enriched the overall narrative.

Example: The resolution of the subplot might reveal a key piece of information that helps the protagonist in their main quest or provides a satisfying conclusion to a character’s personal journey.

Conclusion
Well-developed subplots add richness and complexity to your novel, enhancing the main plot and deepening reader engagement. By identifying what’s missing, tying the subplot to the main plot, maintaining balance, and ensuring resolution, you can create subplots that enhance your story without distracting from it. For more tips on storytelling and writing, follow my blog and connect with our writing community.