Writing subplots/sidearcs

[villainesayre]

How do you deal with writing subplots? Do you have any tips on how to merge them into a story so that they make perfect sense and also push the story forward?

Or maybe you have an advice on how to write a side arc to make a story longer/slower paced but also contain information/action which you can use later in the main plot?

[TheFalseVyper]

I make sure my subplot offers something new to learn about the main plot, otherwise it becomes pointless and it might put off your audience.

Also, you can keep the main plot prevalent by having your characters speak about it every now and then. Maybe there is something about your subplot that reminds them about their main plot. Maybe your subplot can ultimately help make them realize something new and valuable.

I hope this helps! Please feel free to ask any more questions if anything I said was unclear.

[XzynderVexymous]

Subplots can be VERY helpful.

Have you ever seen the Marvel movies? Well if you have, and you’re a marvel Comics fan, then you’d know that all the current Marvel movies are “Subplots” to Infinity War, the movie coming out in 2018. All of the Marvel movies have literally been building up to this anticipated movie.

They are all “Lower in rank.” So, by definition, they are subplots.

[joe_galindez]

I used to be shit at writing B and C plots. I'm still shit, but all the practice has given me confidence.

[Damatris]

I tend make subplots about character arcs. I don't do them to make a story longer or more slow paced since they don't need that. But subplots are great way to give more depth to characters without making it seem I suddenly jump on something unrelated. They're very intervened with the main plot so they also advance that while giving more insight on motivations and growth of the characters.

[villainesayre]

That's what I also do, intertwining the main plot with subplots and revealing some details about the main plot. I just wonder if I could do a subplot to not directly tell information about the main plot... but maybe use it later to make sense etc!

I'm not a beginner writer, I'm just somehow lost cause I always strive for some creativity and originality and I think that makes me somehow lost in the idea of plot and not the execution which is rather crucial. Sometimes just talking about the overall writing tips makes me think differently about how to write stuff

@XzynderVexymous That's why I want to include subplots, I love complicated stories but I don't like when the general plot is lost due to some pointless character arcs. Marvel cinematic universe is a huge one at this point and yes, we can see that they throw some general information and tid bits about a "main story that connects universe" so I get the idea.

In my story I'm building subplots based on characters mostly, I've got for example: cultural issues, conflicts like war/injustice, religion etc aside from the main plot. I'm just looking for a fresh look at the whole subplots thing!

@joe_galindez It's maybe because we mostly strive to make main plot stand out and be polished, although I think that a good story is a story when we care about many issues and the main plot/goal.

@Damatris So do I, to put is simply: secondary character = subplot that expands the main plot. The question about making a story longer or slower paced was actually about some more loose chapters (example: a more comedy or refreshing arc contained within one-two chapters, like the popular "we're going to the beach!" thing, but when we still find something out about the characters or a tiny information about the subplot/main plot). And I was just wondering how to write a good subplot for readers to enjoy actually, not for the sole reason to convey information everytime (or like maybe a mis-information, that would be great).

[indagold]

I did subplots before but damn they really screw up the length of your work. I found just doing one or two is enough if you're not willing to make a giant ass story. You gotta be really determined on why you want to make a subplot, does it contribute to the story? Or you just like seeing a new character or some other reason? If its the latter than you don't need one because it just turns into filler.

[villainesayre]

I'm aiming for a rather complex and long comic so the subplots are rather essential for it. And yes, I also think that more than two big subplots are plenty or else we will end up writing another game of thrones story

So I have one major subplot that contributes many things to the story (based around a major character) and one that contributes to the world building. I avoid fillers as hell, they are pointless unless they are used creatively to release tension of some dark events in a story, cause getting too dark/sad throughout the entire story maybe dull and just not entertaining to the readers.

[Hexigate]

Say you create a story with no side arc: You put your characters in a conflict, and they work to resolve that conflict. However, that can be too short; why does it feel too short? I have two suggestions:
- The conflict doesn't feel grand or serious enough
- The characters are not fleshed out enough
Most answers here are leaning towards the first point. However, it's only half the equation. Side arcs also have to fundamentally involve the personality of at least one of your characters, otherwise it's simply fodder. You can use a side arc to increase the intensity of the central conflict, but ultimately that conflict affects the characters. Thus, any side arc must use its time to shine more light unto the characters, as well as flesh out any major conflicts.

[Shanny8]

Or the Thanos/Infinity Gems story has been serving as a "subplot" to tie all the Marvel movies together. It's really cool when the subplot/main plot can be flipped and work...

[XzynderVexymous]

True!! Well done, makes total sense. Examples like Avengers 1, GOTG 1, Thor series I think, etc.

[noreception]

I like to use subplots for a lot of things. For like a main character, they already have a goal that they deal with and those little obstacles in between are the subplots. This also works for say the minor characters, they need their own spotlight in character development as well. Sometimes you can use them all to point to one big story. I think the way to go with side stories is don't put it in the same weight category as the main story. Take it like a little re-occuring inside joke, y'know put a little bit of the continuity in there. I hope you understand what I'm saying cause I'm terrible at explaining c: