Story Questions
Subplots are the intricate threads that weave through the fabric of your main plot, adding depth, contrast, and complexity to your story. The subplot(s) often revolve around the Story Question or Central Theme.
You probably know what a Central Theme is. It's the underlying message or the main idea that runs through the entire narrative of a book. It's what the story is about at a deeper, more abstract level beyond just its plot and characters. The theme is a universal concept or statement about life, society, human nature, or emotions that the author explores through the events, interactions, and developments in the book.
So, what is a Story Question? Simply put, it's a query (in the form of a question) that arises from either your story's theme or your character's goals.
As a romance author, I’m always writing with themes where love wins. The Story Questions in my books are almost always derived from the character's goals. Think about what your character is striving to achieve. The fundamental Will they or won’t they get it? forms your primary or A story question. However, your narrative can, and often should, extend beyond this to subplots.
Subplots, or B stories, provide a multi-dimensional view of your narrative world. While the main plot point is usually external, subplots offer a glimpse into the internal and interpersonal dynamics. Ask yourself: What’s happening inside your characters' minds? How are their relationships with friends, family, or lovers evolving? What personal struggles are they facing? These questions often lead to the fertile ground from which subplots grow.
Supporting characters often feature in subplots where they play out a choice that the stars of your book didn’t make. For example, maybe the best friend didn’t take the high-powered job or they did marry the only guy they ever dated. Sometimes a subplot may revolve around the villain of your story avidly working against your hero’s goals.
Incorporating subplots does more than just add layers to your story; they create a richer, more relatable world for your readers. They echo the complexity of real life, where personal struggles, relationships, and internal conflicts coexist alongside our main life goals.
Remember, subplots should complement and enhance your main plot, not overshadow it. They should tie into the central theme or main story question, either by contrasting it, paralleling it, or intersecting with it at crucial moments.
As you weave the subplots into your narrative, consider how they reflect or impact the main story. Are they providing necessary relief from the main tension? Do they offer a deeper understanding of your characters? Or perhaps they serve to heighten the stakes of the main plot?
In your next writing session, I encourage you to explore the potential subplots in your story. Examine your characters' goals, relationships, and internal conflicts. See how these can form compelling subplots that enrich the journey for both your characters and your readers.