But a story for a wide audience without any comic relief might prove wearing in its portentousness.Badly timed and ill-conceived comedic relief in a drama with serious thematic resonance will potentially prove very jarring for an audience.This is also dependant on the genre of the story and its intended audience. A different tenor of comedic tone will help freshen up the comedy as the audience receives it. One tone of comedy throughout the plot might become wearing. Within a comedy it might alo provide a different variety of comedy for the audience. This will be a subplot intended to lighten the mood. Otherwise, their presence will feel two-dimensional and transparent.It’s vital that the love interest is a fully fleshed out character in their own right, with their own distinct character arc.It can be common for a love interest to seem a hollow vessel for the protagonist‘s desires, however. In this way, a subplot can also help bolster the script’s theme. For example, a subplot about a protagonist’s childhood/background might help us better understand their present situation.This might help the audience better empathise with the characters.But they might also add context and characterisation to the characters (protagonist or supporting).In a drama, a romantic/love interest subplot might raise the stakes for the protagonist, providing a barometer for their actions.A classic example would be a villain capturing a love interest, the protagonist further motivated to defeat this villain as the stakes have become personal (if they weren’t already).For example, in an action movie, a romantic subplot will often overlap with the main plot by thrusting the love interest into peril.A love interest will make the protagonist more vulnerable.The strong feelings this character elicits from the protagonist will help add tension, raise the stakes and add character depth.It could be a family member, for example. This doesn’t necessarily have to be romantic.It will show them in relation to a loved one. A romantic/love interest subplot will setup a different side of the protagonist.This is perhaps the most common type of subplot. Still, let’s look at the different ways subplots might break down. These subplots will often overlap and the perfect subplot may even cover all bases. And even within that purpose there can be a multitude of layers. Subplots can have many different purposes. With that in mind, what are the different types of potential subplot? The Different Genres/Tones of Subplots It needs to also be adding something to the themes, characterisation or main story. However, this tonal purpose needs to come alongside a narrative purpose.Ī subplot purely to change the tone (for example, comedic) will feel transparent for an audience. The latter could potentially distract from the main plot.Ī subplot can also have a tonal purpose. There is admittedly a tricky balance in finding a subplot that can exist on its own two feet, and one that develops a life of its own. What does this subplot convey that couldn’t be conveyed in a more condensed way (for example, within one scene)?.How does this subplot alter the main plot for the better?.What does your subplot add in terms of characterisation?.How does this subplot support the story’s themes?.So ask yourself questions about the purpose of your subplots:
Your subplots should always, ultimately, relate back to the main purpose and drive of the story. So, firstly, how do you choose a subplot? Keep Your Subplots Focused We’re going to take a look at the value of subplots in screenwriting before looking at some of the best examples of subplots in film and TV. But they bide time in reaching the plot’s conclusion, whilst adding to the depth of characterisation, setting and themes. Subplots will always tie back into the main plot eventually. Subplots may connect to main plots, in either time and place or in thematic significance.’ ‘A secondary strand of the plot that is a supporting side story for any story or the main plot. They keep the audience’s interest from waning and can help bolster the themes and controlling idea.
But subplots help add depth to this narrative arc. The grand overarching plot is the defining part of a narrative arc.
#Whats a subplot series
Most movies and TV series have them, whether large or small. The Value and Importance of Subplots: With 10 Amazing Examples
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