subplot
SUB-plot
/ˈsʌb.plɒt/
A secondary strand of plot that runs parallel to the main plot and supports it directly or contrastingly.
Adds depth, thematic resonance, or relief without taking over the main character's journey.
The story behind the word. Combines Latin sub- (under) with Middle English plot (a piece of ground or scheme). It emerged in 19th-century theater criticism to describe stories running beneath the main action.
Word relationships
- underplot: Underplot is an older archaic synonym for subplot rarely used in modern literary criticism.
- main plot: Main plot is the central story arc driving the entire work.
Commonly confused with
- digression: A digression is a temporary straying from the topic, whereas a subplot is a structured ongoing narrative line.
Collocations
- romantic subplot
- intricate subplot
- minor subplot
- weave a subplot
Example sentences
- "The romantic subplot involving two side characters mirrors the themes of the main political intrigue." Novel critique
Memory hook
SUBPLOT runs SUBterranean (underneath) the main plot. Secondary story beneath the main arc.
When not to use
Do not use subplot to describe complete standalone side stories that have no connection to the primary story.
Fun facts
- Shakespeare was famous for using comic subplots in his tragedies to give audiences brief relief from intense drama.
Explore more words
subtext, theme, supplementary, foil, ancillary, juxtaposition
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