Deeper Dive into Subplots and Side Characters

Subplots and side characters are the foundation of engaging tales. Here’s a deeper dive into writing subplots and side characters.

In the world of young adult fiction, subplots, and side characters are like vibrant threads that enhance a captivating story. They aren’t just decorations; they are the foundation of engaging tales.

Here are some valuable tips for making your stories more vivid and meaningful.

Understanding Subplots: Enriching the Main Plot

In storytelling, subplots are the narrative threads that crisscross and interweave with the main storyline, serving as essential components that enhance the reader’s experience.

They are side stories, often involving secondary characters or alternate story arcs, and they play a pivotal role in young adult fiction.

Here’s why they are indispensable:

Adding Depth and Complexity

Subplots introduce layers of complexity to a story. They allow readers to explore different facets of the characters’ lives, backgrounds, and motivations.

When you leverage this element, you can reveal hidden depths, secrets, and conflicts within your characters.

Providing Emotional Resonance

When used right, you can evoke emotions that complement the primary plot. They allow for exploring themes like love, friendship, family dynamics, and personal growth in more detail.

Offering Variety and Balance

Subplots introduce variety and balance to a story. While the main plot may be focused on a specific conflict or goal, subplots can provide relief, humor, or contrasting elements.

This variety prevents the story from becoming one-dimensional and keeps readers engaged by offering different emotional experiences.

Enhancing Theme and Message

Subplots can reinforce and expand upon the central themes and messages of the story. They provide opportunities to explore these themes from various angles, making the overall message more profound and thought-provoking.

Building Suspense and Momentum

They can introduce unexpected twists, conflicts, or obstacles that keep readers turning pages. This dynamic storytelling technique keeps the plot moving forward and maintains a high level of reader interest.

Types of Subplots

Romantic Subplots

They revolve around the romantic relationships of the main characters. They can add depth and emotion to a story while exploring love, attraction, and identity themes.

Friendship Subplots

Which focuses on the bonds between characters. They delve into the dynamics of friendships, loyalty, and the challenges that come with them.

In J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series, the enduring friendship between Harry, Ron, and Hermione is a prominent subplot that contributes to the sense of camaraderie and support.

Family Subplots

They explore relationships within families, including conflicts, secrets, and reconciliations. They can be crucial in shaping a character’s background and motivations.

Personal Growth Subplots

They involve characters’ journeys of self-discovery and development. They often lead to transformative experiences and character evolution.

In Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games,” Katniss Everdeen’s personal growth and inner struggle to maintain her identity in a harsh dystopian world serve as a powerful subplot that aligns with the overarching themes of survival and rebellion.

Tips and Techniques for Weaving Subplots Seamlessly

Character-Centric Approach

Ensure that subplots align with the main characters’ goals, desires, and conflicts. This makes subplots feel organic and integral to the story.

Foreshadowing

Plant seeds for subplots early in the narrative. Foreshadowing allows readers to anticipate and become emotionally invested in the subplot’s development.

Parallel Progression

Intertwine the progression of subplots with the main plot. This can be done by having characters’ actions in one subplot affect the other, creating a sense of unity in the storytelling.

Symbolism and Theme Integration

Use subplots to reinforce the story’s themes and symbolism. Subplots can serve as microcosms of the main plot’s themes, enriching the narrative.

Character Growth and Change

Subplots should contribute to the growth and development of characters. Characters should learn, change, or face new challenges through their involvement in subplots.

NB: Your subplots should not be distractions but integral parts of the narrative. They provide opportunities for characters to evolve, confront their flaws, and ultimately contribute to the story’s themes.

Creating Backstories, Motivations, and Unique Traits

Backstories: Develop comprehensive backstories for side characters. Understand their past experiences, traumas, and pivotal moments that have shaped them. This backstory informs their behavior and choices in the present.

Motivations: Determine what drives your side characters. What are their goals, desires, fears, and ambitions? Motivations make characters relatable and give them purpose within the story.

Unique Traits: Give each side character distinctive traits, quirks, and qualities that set them apart. This could be a unique hobby, a memorable catchphrase, or a particular way of speaking. These traits make characters special and easily identifiable.

Complex Relationships: Consider how side characters interact with each other and the protagonist. Their relationships should be multifaceted, with layers of history, tension, or camaraderie.

Character Arcs: Side characters can undergo character arcs like the protagonist. They should experience growth, change, or resolution as the story progresses, contributing to the overall narrative development.

Conclusion: Deeper Dive into Subplots and Side Characters

In the intricate tapestry of young adult fiction, subplots, and side characters are the threads that bring depth, complexity, and dimension to the narrative. Aspiring writers, take heed of these key takeaways:

As you embark on your writing journey, remember that storytelling is an art, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. I hope this helps you take a deeper dive into subplots and side characters.

Experiment, discover your unique style, and let subplots and side characters be your allies in crafting captivating young adult fiction.

If you have any questions about developing subplots and side characters for your story, you’re welcome to send over an email to me at jsims@jairesims.com.

Happy Writing!