Too Many Sub-plots?

mickeyDs4 · Apr 18, 2012

My current WIP Beauty Like Columbines has five subplots on top of the main plot of the book.

Main Plot: The relationship between Briony and Leo

Sub-plot 1: Briony being accused of hexing students because she practices voodoo.

Sub-plot 2: Briony's family living apart because they lost their house to Hurricane Katrina.

Sub-plot 3: Meredith Warren's health (a little girl briony takes care of)

Sub-plot 4: Briony's step-mother pregnant again.

Sub-plot 5: Briony dealing with an abusive ex-boyfriend.

A little much or just right?

maybegenius · Apr 18, 2012

I wish I could give you a definitive answer, but unfortunately I can't. I have to give you the dreaded "depends on the execution" answer. Some writers can juggle a half-dozen subplots and tie them all up in the perfect way, and some people lose the threads with only two or three.

I definitely don't think five subplots is "too many" as long as they're handled the right way. The important question is really whether or not YOU feel like it's too many? Do you feel like you have a handle on everything, or do you feel like things are getting away from you?

lolchemist · Apr 18, 2012

It seems alright to me. What I noticed though is that all 5 subplots are kind of depressing. Hopefully good things happen to her too! Like Meredith starts feeling better and the family is able to move back together again and blah blah blah...

mickeyDs4 · Apr 18, 2012

Everything works out in the end, I hope. I have a handle on it. There was that nagging feeling that something is going to get overlooked.

Stiger05 · Apr 18, 2012

I concur with maybegenius. It will all come down to the execution. I would just write it and see in edits/beta phase if any of the plots was left by the wayside or distracting, or if they were all tied up in the end.

Yay for satisfying answers! : )

Ashes Oh Ashes · Apr 18, 2012

I'm going with the cliche 'it depends on your story' response. Because it's the truth. As people who haven't read it, we can't really help you. However, five sub-plots isn't too much for any novel. If you think it works, then don't worry about it. If it doesn't, a beta or someone will more than likely noticed. =)

Lydia Sharp · Apr 19, 2012

In my opinion, a subplot done well won't feel like a subplot when you're reading. So it doesn't matter how many you technically have in the novel, as long as they're relevant and blend well.

KateSmash · Apr 19, 2012

Lydia Sharp said:
In my opinion, a subplot done well won't feel like a subplot when you're reading. So it doesn't matter how many you technically have in the novel, as long as they're relevant and blend well.

Yup, this.

I'm a big believer that subplots have to service and feed the main plot. Or at least help strengthen the point/theme of the main plot. OP, I can see how all you subplots work in tandem to strength and push the main plot of the relationship. Good to go. :Thumbs:

mickeyDs4 · Apr 19, 2012

KateSmash said:
Yup, this.

I'm a big believer that subplots have to service and feed the main plot. Or at least help strengthen the point/theme of the main plot. OP, I can see how all you subplots work in tandem to strength and push the main plot of the relationship. Good to go.

Thanks Kate!

dmickey · May 3, 2012

I agree that it's all about how it's executed. That being said it does seem like a lot of your subplots are big issues- losing their house, an abusive boyfriend, bad health?? I'm guessing. It sounds like you're trying to put a lot of hot button issues into one novel with could be hard to pull off.

Violeta · May 4, 2012

Well, I read something not long ago, when I wasn't sure what exactly a subplot was.

This article explains it better, so I hope you'll take a look because it's pretty simple and very much helpful.

You can read it here: http://www.darcypattison.com/plot/plot-plot-layers-subplot/

It gives you some notes on the differences between plots, subplots and plot layers.
And from what I see, what you have up there is 2 real subplots (numbers 3 and 4), and the other three are just plot layers.

It's not that difficult to separate ones from the others, once you know the differences.

AGragon · May 4, 2012

It's all right in my opinion. Like someone had said above me, it all depends on the "execution."

You'll probably need of a sequel to make it look good and craft a fit ending without making it look overly tight.

fireluxlou · May 4, 2012

Depends on your story and if you can handle it. I only have 1 subplot

Too Many Sub-plots?

mickeyDs4

maybegenius

might be a giant

lolchemist

Shooting stars.

mickeyDs4

Stiger05

Ashes Oh Ashes

Honest, not Harsh

Lydia Sharp

for the love of love

KateSmash

this was a triumph

mickeyDs4

dmickey

Violeta

All I Ever Wanted Was The World

AGragon

Nom Nom Fish

fireluxlou