5 Types of Subplots That Strengthen Your Main Story

You more than likely have come across the notion of a subplot amidst your screenwriting adventure. Effective subplots echo the central theme–they explore similar ideas from different perspectives or in varied contexts.

While subplots are more minor in scale, they still follow the essential story structure in a more streamlined form. The strength in it lies in how they deepen and reflect the primary story rather than distract from it.

To me, the plot is like the scenery on a road trip with the sights, events, and moments that make the ride memorable. The subplot is the car you’re riding in. It’s what carries you through the story. Without it, you’re not going anywhere, and if it’s clunky or unreliable, even the best views lose their charm.

You need a vehicle to get there, and if the car is a mess, the whole trip can feel frustrating or even unbearable. But if the car is reliable and smooth, it can turn a simple drive into a great experience.

Still from 'The Dark Knight Rises' (2012). Photo credit: Warner Bros

The Subplots

Romantic Subplot

A romantic subplot centers on two characters developing a romantic connection, often falling in love, though not always ending up together. This subplot fits nearly any genre and can make characters feel more human and emotionally layered, even if the romance doesn’t work out. (After all, missed connections and heartbreak are as relatable as happy endings.)

Because audiences tend to root for love, a romantic subplot can boost emotional engagement and keep viewers or readers invested. It also influences the main plot by motivating the characters to take action or complicating their choices, sometimes pushing them forward, and other times clouding their judgment.

Friendship Subplot

Friendships, family bonds, and even rivalries can reveal new dimensions of a character and highlight their personal growth. A subplot of this magnitude adds emotional texture and helps audiences understand who the character is beyond the main plot.

A great example is a subplot in which a character forms an unexpected friendship with someone from a different background, such as a different religion or culture, which can challenge their assumptions and broaden their perspective. Or, a storyline about reconnecting with an estranged parent might lead to greater emotional resilience, healing, or trust. These subplots don’t just enrich the narrative, they help transform the character.

Flashback Subplot

A flashback subplot reveals pivotal moments from a character’s past, offering insight that gradually reshapes how we view the present narrative. Rather than front-loading exposition, this technique allows a story to withhold key details and release them immediately, building suspense and emotional payoff along the way.

When done well, flashbacks don’t just fill in background: they enrich character development and heighten dramatic tension. Going this route and showing rather than telling why a character is how they are lends emotional credibility to their current actions. It connects the dots between past trauma or triumph and present motivations, making every decision feel more layered and earned.

Nemesis Subplot

A nemesis subplot explores a character’s personal development through ongoing tension with a rival–someone who contrasts with them in ways that highlight their flaws. This rival doesn’t have to be a villain; it could be a competitive coworker, a classmate, or even a partner’s ex.

Going with a nemesis subplot allows the protagonist to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves. Think of it as a way to challenge your character. Whether your protagonist is forced to admit the rival has a point or learn to cooperate for a larger goal, these clashes become catalysts for growth and self-awareness.

Mirror Subplot

A mirror subplot follows a supporting character while they go through a journey that’s similar to the protagonist but on a smaller scale. Remember that you’re not writing this to create repetition but instead as a way to showcase the primary theme across different perspectives.

It helps make the story's central ideas feel more universal and multidimensional. It also invites the audience to consider how similar struggles play out under different circumstances, emphasizing the nuances of choice, growth, and consequence across the entire story world.

By seeing someone else face a parallel challenge, whether it’s a moral dilemma, a personal loss, or a test of courage, we gain a clearer sense of what makes the protagonist’s decisions significant. Observing how different characters interpret or respond to the same core theme in varied ways creates emotional layering.

Mirror subplots also offer opportunities for comparison without exposition, as the contrasts between the main arc and the mirror arc quietly underscore what’s at stake. In short, these subplots deepen the story’s message by showing its relevance from multiple angles.

Why a Subplot Matters

When I think about subplots, I realize how tricky and nuanced they can be. The purpose of a subplot is to enrich or deepen the main plot. What counts as a subplot versus part of the main plot can get blurry, but here are a couple of things a subplot definitely shouldn’t do:

Distract from the main plot. If a subplot feels like it’s just “something else happening” alongside the main story, it often ends up frustrating rather than enhancing. To check if a subplot is distracting, ask yourself: How does it connect to the main plot? Is it a real obstacle between your main character and their goal, or just a practical delay that doesn’t tie into the core conflict?

Undermine the plot. This is related to distraction but with a twist: the subplot might be involved practically, but thematically it clashes with the main story. For example, throwing in a random romance in a crazy action flick can feel jarring if it doesn’t align with the story’s tone or themes.

So what can a subplot do to enrich or deepen your main story? It can mirror the main plot. This often involves a sidekick or supporting character going through a similar journey as the protagonist, but on a smaller scale. The goal isn’t to repeat the main story but to highlight its themes from another angle, making the ideas feel more universal and layered.

In short, a good subplot isn’t just an add-on–it’s a crucial piece that complements, contrasts, or deepens the main narrative, making the entire story richer and more compelling.