subplot
12
4.4
- noun
- /ˈsʌbˌplɒt/
- Literature
:
subtrama
- The author skillfully weaves a romantic subplot into the main story, adding depth to the characters.
- subplots and plots
- subplots and characters
- too many subplots
That's the that's a subplot in, in, in the gospel stories.
- That's the that's a subplot in, in, in the gospel stories.
- And so now he's this subplot has now come into the main plot.
- And so this winds up, you know, a very complex set of subplots.
- I had sort of a paint by numbers love subplot.
- I also think what's happening a lot is we're using romance tropes to describe fantasy books where maybe the romance is a subplot.
- So very important subplot that's taking place here that is revelatory not just of action but of character.
- The whole subplot with the band Space Bandit and freeing the fucking space horses was truly one of the worst moments in cinematic history.
Examples
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When a story has too many subplots, the strength of the primary plot is weakened or obscured.
Academic text (2009) -
As romantic thinkers mature, these stories grow increasingly complex with multiple subplots and layered meanings.
Academic text (2007) -
On a positive note, I did enjoy the subplot of the parents falling in love.
Blog text (13) -
The romantic subplot is the most common, but you may create one involving home or work life.
Academic text (2009) -
The simple structure of these plays at times allows a subplot, which is, however, intricately connected to the main action.
Academic text (1995) -
Too few characters may also signal the need to develop one or several subplots, which will add depth and interest.
Academic text (2009) -
All in all, a very middle-of-the-road episode, with the adoption subplot not really going anyplace interesting.
Blog text (1) -
But there's also a really interesting subplot, a story within the chaos that we can pick out about the capture and execution of the Elamite king.
-
Graham's isolation stands in contrast to the understated subplot: the romance of de Mille's own life.
Academic text (1994) -
Truth and secrecy also underline the subplot surrounding the suitors of the Countess, Conde Federico and Marqus Ricardo.
Academic text (2003)
How Important
- Literature
12
4.4
- Literature
7
5.5
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Subplot comes from sub- meaning 'under' and plot meaning 'story'. Think of it as a 'story under' the main one, so a subplot is a smaller story that supports or contrasts with the main plot.