Published: February 5, 2024 | Last Updated: December 18, 2024
Subplot Definition & Meaning
A subplot is a secondary storyline that runs parallel to the main plot and helps to enhance the overall narrative. It provides additional depth, complexity, and sometimes contrast to the central story. Subplots often involve supporting characters and their conflicts, which may or may not directly impact the main storyline.
Below, you can see some common movie subplots, and I’ve picked some movie examples across various genres for each subplot type.
Romantic Subplot
A romantic subplot focuses on a character’s emotional connection with another, often adding stakes or vulnerability. It’s not just about love but how it changes or challenges the characters.
Examples:
- Titanic (1997): Rose’s struggle against societal expectations and her engagement to the controlling Cal. Also, the broader depiction of class disparity is highlighted through the passengers’ differing fates during the disaster.
- The Dark Knight (2008): Bruce Wayne’s feelings for Rachel Dawes.
- The Terminator (1984): Sarah Connor and Kyle Reese’s bond amidst chaos.
Friendship/Sidekick Subplot
This subplot explores the bond between characters, highlighting loyalty, humor, or mutual growth. It’s often a key to the main character’s personal journey, offering support or comic relief.
Examples:
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001): Frodo and Sam’s unbreakable friendship.
- Shrek (2001): Shrek and Donkey’s evolving bond.
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001): Harry, Ron, and Hermione learning to trust each other.
Family Subplot
A family subplot digs into relationships within a family, showing dynamics that shape the characters. These stories usually reveal motivations, conflicts, or reconciliation that deepen the main narrative.
Examples:
- Finding Nemo (2003): The subplot focuses on Nemo’s time in the tank, where he bonds with the other captive fish and gains the confidence to plan an escape. This subplot mirrors Marlin’s growth, showing how both father and son learn to trust their own abilities and those around them.
- Encanto (2021): The subplot explores the struggles of individual family members, like Luisa, who deals with the pressure to always be strong, or Isabela, who hides her desire to break free from perfection.
- The Godfather (1972): Michael Corleone’s complicated relationship with his family.
Political/Social Subplot
This subplot explores societal structures, power struggles, or cultural issues. It adds depth by connecting personal stories to larger themes, grounding the narrative in real-world stakes.
Examples:
- The Hunger Games (2012): The rebellion against the Capitol.
- Avatar (2009): The conflict over Pandora’s resources.
- Judas and the Black Messiah (2021): The story includes Fred Hampton’s relationship with Deborah Johnson, which offers a glimpse into his life beyond activism. It also explores O’Neal’s internal conflict as he wrestles with guilt and betrayal while working for the FBI.
Redemption Subplot
A redemption subplot shows a character making up for their mistakes, often through selfless actions. It’s about growth, accountability, and finding purpose after failure.
Examples:
- Iron Man (2008): Tony Stark transitioning from weapons dealer to superhero.
- Unforgiven (1992): A retired gunslinger seeks redemption for his violent past through one final mission.
- Les Misérables (2012): Jean Valjean’s journey to redemption.
Coming-of-Age Subplot
This subplot focuses on a character’s journey to maturity. It highlights self-discovery, identity, and the challenges of growing up, often tied to pivotal moments or relationships.
Examples:
- Little Miss Sunshine (2006): While Olive’s family road trip takes center stage, her growth and self-discovery unfold in the background.
- Dead Poets Society (1989): The focus is on the teacher’s influence, but the students’ personal growth and self-expression create a strong coming-of-age subplot.
- Juno (2007): Juno’s story primarily revolves around her pregnancy, but her journey to maturity and self-awareness runs parallel.
- The Devil Wears Prada (2006): Andy’s growth in understanding her values and ambitions is a subtle coming-of-age arc beneath the workplace drama
Mystery/Investigation Subplot
This subplot revolves around uncovering secrets or solving puzzles. It keeps the tension high and often leads to key revelations that impact the main story.
Examples:
- Chinatown (1974): In this neo-noir movie, the investigation into water supply corruption is a subplot that runs alongside themes of betrayal and personal trauma.
- The Great Gatsby (2013): The mystery of Gatsby’s wealth and past adds intrigue while the main plot focuses on love and class.
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011): While the main focus is on justice and family dynamics, the mystery of a missing girl is the subplot.
- The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014): The subplot of the investigation into a stolen painting and murder deepens the story while exploring loyalty and legacy.
How Subplots Differ from a Movie’s Theme
A movie’s theme is its central idea or message, while subplots are secondary storylines that support or contrast the main narrative. Themes, like love or redemption, provide broader meaning, while subplots focus on specific events or relationships. For instance, a romantic subplot might support a broader theme of sacrifice.
How Subplots Differ from Subtext
Subtext is the unspoken or implied meaning behind dialogue or actions, revealing underlying emotions or themes. Subplots, however, are fully developed secondary storylines. Subtext adds nuance to the main narrative, while subplots introduce distinct events and character dynamics that enrich the story.
Summing Up
Subplots build characters, expand themes, and go beyond the main plot. They can add romance (romantic subplot), highlight friendship (sidekick subplot), or explore societal topics (political subplot). When done right, subplots make stories more layered, increase tension, and give us fresh perspectives.
Up Next: The Roles of Subplots in Film
