Plot is the foundation of any story. It guides the narrative from beginning to end. Shaping events and characters. However, not all plots are created equally. Some are well-structured and enjoyable, but lack lasting impact. Others leave a long-lasting impression and deeply resonate with readers.
The difference often lies in how the plot is developed, but what is it? In this guide, we will explore the difference between a good plot and a great plot.
What Is a Subplot and Why Does It Matter?
A good plot is clear and coherent. It presents a main character with a goal, introduces obstacles, and resolves the conflict. The events are connected and are structured logically. These stories are often enjoyable and can be interesting.
A great plot, on the other hand, offers the same with layers. It offers subtext. Subtext is where theme, motive, and depth lie. You can ask yourself:
- Why am I telling this story?
- What do I want to leave my readers with at the end?
- How do I want them to feel?
Generally speaking, you would not write out the subtext. The audience would have to read between the lines and interpret, while you subtly hint towards that direction. Therefore, it can be easier to imagine a story has two plots. The surface layer plot. This is where everything happens. What a character says or does. The subtext. It is the meaning behind the actions. You can plant symbols and motives here.
Good Plot vs. Great Plot: A Subplot Example from The Hunger Games
To illustrate the difference, let us look at The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
At the surface layer, the plot follows Katniss Everdeen, who volunteered to take her sister’s place in the Hunger Games. Near the end, Katniss holds out a handful of poisonous berries, threatening to eat them with Peeta so that the Capitol will be left with no victor.
Breathe the surface, in the subtext, this moment symbolizes rebellion towards the cruel regime of Panem. Katniss is refusing to let the Capitol control her or the outcome of the Games. It also leaves room for readers to interpret for themselves. Some readers may focus on strategy, others on symbolism, and others on emotions. What makes this so great is that the audience can find meaning on their own.
How to Write a Surface Plot That Drives Your Story Forward
The surface layer is the foundation of your story. It refers to events and actions that move the plot forward. It is what fills the page. A surface plot needs to answer this: What is happening?
To create a well-structured surface plot, consider the following:
- Define the protagonist’s goal. What do they want? What is standing in their way? What is at stake if they fail?
- Introduce an obstacle preventing the protagonist from reaching their goal. Make it challenging for the protagonist and keep introducing new obstacles, and raise the stakes.
- Organize the events into beginning, middle, and end. You can use story structures to help you.
How to Use Subtext and Subplots to Add Depth to Your Story
The subtext is the meaning or the message you do not write on the page. It can be implied through dialogue and action. Subtext transforms a simple plot into a meaningful narrative. It helps readers connect with your characters and see themselves in the story.
To create subtext in your story:
- Understand your character’s internal conflict. What are their fears and wounds?
- Let your character’s emotion affect their decisions, even when they are not aware of themselves.
- When writing, consider the theme and show it through the character’s journey. Especially the protagonist.
Common Subplot Mistakes Beginner Writers Make
Developing a novel can be an overwhelming task, especially for a beginner writer. You have to learn everything, and you will make mistakes. Everyone does. Here are recurring ones when adding layers to a novel.
Only focusing on what happens: Yes, this is an important aspect of writing. You need to know what you are writing, but you also need to understand why it happens. Find out the reason behind everything you write.
Telling readers what they should feel: the author does not need to spoon-feed them the theme of the story. They should interpret and find meaning on their own. You can instead make room for a subtle message hidden in dialogue, action, and events.
Adding unnecessary complexity: A story does not have to be complicated to be good. You do not want to put yourself in a situation that causes you to have writer’s block. Instead, focus on the message you want to deliver.
Forgetting character arc: If your characters are constantly facing danger, losses, and obstacles without showing any distress. Remember, characters also need to react to events and show how they handle them.
Separating theme from plot: Theme and plot are both necessary for a great story. Some writers try to add meaning through narration or dialogue rather than letting it emerge through the plot itself. The most effective themes find themselves in every event.
Final Checklist for Writing a Layered, Meaningful Plot
Does your novel have this:
- Does my plot have a clear central conflict?
- Does my character face internal conflict?
- Do I have a theme before writing?
- Are there moments in the story that invite the readers to reflect upon
- Can the story be interpreted in more than one way?
Conclusion: Why Subplots Make Stories Memorable
In conclusion, a story has more than one layer. A surface layer and subplots. Before writing, you need to explain the reasoning behind everything. In other words, you will also have to write subtext. In the subtext, you find things like theme, motive, and message. This will strengthen your story and help readers relate to it.
