subplot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal / Neutral
Quick answer
What does “subplot” mean?
A secondary or subordinate plot within a story, play, or film that runs alongside the main plot.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A secondary or subordinate plot within a story, play, or film that runs alongside the main plot.
Any secondary strand or element within a larger, more complex situation or series of events, often used to develop character, theme, or provide contrast.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally standard in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Associated with analytical discussion of narrative structure.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both, with perhaps a slight edge in American English due to the prevalence of film and television industry discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “subplot” in a Sentence
The [STORY/FILM] has a subplot involving [CHARACTER/EVENT].A subplot about [TOPIC] runs through the [NARRATIVE].The subplot [VERB]...subplot of [NOUN PHRASE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “subplot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [The noun 'subplot' is not standardly used as a verb. Use 'to have a subplot' or 'to include a subplot'.]
American English
- [The noun 'subplot' is not standardly used as a verb. Use 'to weave in a subplot' or 'to develop a subplot'.]
adverb
British English
- [No adverbial form.]
American English
- [No adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- [The noun 'subplot' is not used as an adjective. Use attributively, e.g., 'subplot development', or 'subplot threads'.]
American English
- [The noun 'subplot' is not used as an adjective. Use attributively, e.g., 'subplot elements', or 'subplot complexity'.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically to describe a secondary project or issue within a larger corporate strategy.
Academic
Common in literary criticism, film studies, and narrative theory for analysing story structure.
Everyday
Common when discussing books, films, TV series, and video games in detail.
Technical
Standard term in screenwriting, dramaturgy, and literary analysis.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “subplot”
- Using 'subplot' to mean a hidden or secret plan (like 'subterfuge').
- Confusing with 'subtext' (the implicit meaning).
- Spelling as 'sub plot' (should be one word or hyphenated: sub-plot).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in screenwriting and television, 'B story' (or C story, etc.) is essentially a synonym for a subplot, referring to a secondary narrative thread.
In some complex narratives, subplots can gain prominence and even eclipse the original main plot in importance, but by definition, they start in a secondary position.
There's no fixed rule. It depends on the length and complexity of the work. A short story may have none, while an epic novel or serial drama can have several interwoven subplots.
A parallel plot is a narrative thread of equal importance to the main plot, often involving different characters or settings. A subplot is subordinate, usually connected to and supportive of the main plot.
A secondary or subordinate plot within a story, play, or film that runs alongside the main plot.
Subplot is usually formal / neutral in register.
Subplot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌb.plɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌb.plɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly with 'subplot'. Often described as 'a subplot to the main action'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SUBmarine PLOT: it's a story that operates beneath the surface of the main story.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STORY IS A TAPESTRY (with main and subplots as woven threads).
Practice
Quiz
In narrative structure, what is the primary function of a subplot?