Last month, I decided to go back and work on an updated version of my original award-winning inspirational screenplay I wrote years ago. I wanted to make sure that my main message was clear and that the plot was unimpeded by needless exposition.
I wanted to make sure the script was as polished as possible before approaching literary managers who could help me navigate my screenwriting career. This update is a step in the right direction for my career. As I’ve stated before, rewriting is writing. Rewriting serves a few functions:
- Finding typos and grammatical errors.
- Refining a script’s message.
- Tweaking subplots.
Subplots In Storytelling
Often screenwriters become so involved going from point A to B in their plot line, that they end up making their story shallow and one-dimensional. Life is not a simple journey; life is made richer by the obstacles we overcome, quiet seemingly insignificant moments, and surprising unplanned moments.
Real life is as much introspective as it is an outward journey. Subplots are a great literary tool for revealing inner conflict or desires. The two worlds interact to make up what we call our life. Sometimes there is more going on beneath the surface than meets the eye.
In storytelling, a subplot is defined as a side narrative that supports the main storyline by adding layers of complexity to it. They can be standalone stories by themselves but work better by adding elements such as back story and details about minor characters which help to enhance the main story’s characters.
In my screenplays, I have used subplots to introduce or set up my protagonist’s disability/inner desire. In my first screenplay, my protagonist’s desire to be loved leads him to all of the wrong places, ultimately leaving him with a brain injury. His pursuit of love becomes his motivation to endure being disabled in hopes of finding true love.
I use a romantic subplot in all of my screenplays because at heart, I am a hopeless romantic myself. There are many forms and approaches to subplots in storytelling. Below are four types of subplots from Masterclass.com.
- Mirror subplot: A smaller-scale conflict mirrors the main characters to teach them a valuable lesson or how to resolve the conflict.
- Contrasting subplot: A secondary character faces similar circumstances and dilemmas as the main character but makes different decisions.
- Complicating subplot: A secondary character makes matters worse for the main character.
- Romantic subplot: The main character has a love interest, and this relationship complicates the main plot.
When using subplots, it is critical to make sure that they enhance the stories main plot and don’t confuse the audience.
“Subplots may be used to resonate the control and idea of the sensual plot and enrich the film with variations on a theme.”
Robert McKee
if your subplots are too controlling or don’t enhance your story, it is best to cut them to save space. Remember every page is valuable real estate in your screenplay. Script readers and your audience will lose interest if there are too many ideas battling for their attention. Subplots can be used as building blocks of your narrative’s plot and as the fuel to keep it going.
Keep It Moving!
Keep in mind, that movies are a form of visual storytelling, however, too much action or information will have the same effect as looking at the sun, and the audience won’t be able to focus or see the bigger picture of your story.
They may even become frustrated or agitated, when they can’t follow your story, they feel like they are watching a Ping-Pong match and cannot see the ball. Talented writers know how to use subplots to help set the pacing of the story without diminishing it or confusing the audience. Below are a few of my favorite films with obvious subplots that didn’t overpower the rest of the story.
These storytellers have mastered the art of weaving subplots into stories to help pace them.
“The best tip I know is to use subplots to enhance the pacing of the film overall.”
Robert McKee
Stories may be all about the characters or the plot, but they are enhanced by the subplot.
Martin Johnson survived a severe car accident with a (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side. He is an award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book. Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries he shares his testimony. He explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives. Martin lives in a Georgia and connects with readers at MartinThomasJonhson.com and on Twitter at mtjohnson51.
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