Today I thought I’d break down some of the things that a good subplot will contribute to your plot.

Every subplot does NOT need to do every one of these. But it should do some of them.

• develop an important theme present in the main plot
• develop some side characters in a way that connects at least tangentially (by the end, if not all the time) with the main plot so that those characters are richer and more interesting and their actions in the main plot make sense
• get a character or object from one place to another, in an authentic way, to serve a main plot
• world build in a way that enhances the main plot
• increase tension or conflict, whether internal or external, regarding the main plot
• increase what is at stake for a character or characters regarding the main plot
• provide necessary information to understand or resolve the main plot, in a fun, engaging, and interesting way (as opposed to info dumps)

What do you think? What are some of your favorite subplots in famous books or movies?