Top Tips for Writing Subplots
When you think of your favorite novels, chances are the main storyline isn’t the only thing that kept you turning pages. The secondary threads — those side stories that add texture, emotional depth, and complexity — are called subplots, and they can make the difference between a good story and a great one.
But crafting a compelling subplot takes more than just adding extra drama or a quirky side character. A well-written subplot should enhance your main story, not distract from it. Here are my top tips for weaving subplots into your manuscript so they feel intentional and satisfying.
1. Give Your Subplots a Purpose
Every subplot should earn its place in your story. Ask yourself: How does this connect to the main plot or theme? The best subplots either:
Reveal something deeper about your main character
Add stakes or complications to the central conflict
Mirror or contrast the main plot to highlight key themes
If a subplot doesn’t support the core narrative in some way, it risks feeling like filler.
2. Tie It to Character Growth
Subplots are a perfect way to explore different aspects of your protagonist’s personality. Perhaps your main plot focuses on their professional ambition, while a subplot shows how they navigate personal relationships. Together, these layers create a fuller, more nuanced character arc.
3. Keep the Stakes Clear
Just because a subplot is secondary doesn’t mean it should be flat or meandering. Give it its own mini arc — a beginning, middle, and end — and make sure the stakes are clear. Readers should care about how it turns out, even if it’s not the primary conflict.
4. Weave It Seamlessly
A common mistake is to treat subplots like separate stories dropped into the manuscript in large chunks. Instead, aim to weave them into the main narrative. Let them surface naturally through scenes, dialogue, or moments that intersect with the main plot, so they feel like part of the same world.
5. Know When to Resolve Them
Your subplot resolution doesn’t have to happen at the same time as the climax of the main plot — in fact, staggering resolutions can add rhythm and pacing variety. However, every subplot should wrap up in a way that feels intentional, leaving no dangling threads unless you’re setting up a sequel.
6. Avoid Overcrowding
It’s tempting to keep adding layers of story, but too many subplots can overwhelm the reader and dilute the emotional impact of your main plot. A good rule of thumb is to limit yourself to one or two substantial subplots and ensure they’re distinct enough to stand out without competing.
Subplots are more than background noise — they’re opportunities to enrich your story’s emotional depth, expand your world, and make your characters unforgettable. With a clear purpose, strong ties to character growth, and thoughtful weaving into the main plot, your subplots can become some of the most memorable parts of your book.
