What is Subplot in Film?
Many of the films and television shows that we frequently engage with are built on incredibly prominent foundations of plot and subplot. While filmmakers have many options in enhancing their use of plot in filmmaking, the subplot is one of the most widely used functions and most well-recognized. The use of plot and subplots in film provide depth to the narrative and offer deeper connections for the audience, but what is subplot in film and how can it be recognized?
What is Subplot in Film?
Subplot is characterized as the use of a secondary plot in film which is sometimes referred to as the B plot. The subplot receives less attraction or emphasis than the primary plot.
But it acts as a secondary story within the story, providing a point of intertwining adventure that offers thematic depth and keeps the audience engaged.
Just like a main plot, the subplot of a film will have similar features of problem, climax, resolution. The subplot is often used to reveal underlying character traits.
And to further test the protagonist of the film while working to establish various points of view outside the primary character’s POV or the narrator’s POV.
Types of Subplots in Film
You might understand the idea of subplot better by examining the different types of subplot. That are commonly incorporated or intertwined into an existing narrative. Common subplots tend to be based largely on the film’s genre conventions.
For example, the following subplots are frequently found in films:
A B Story
It’s usually a romantic story. You know this one, it’s the underlying romance that goes along with a drama or comedy flick. The film itself isn’t 100% focused on the romance. But there’s that underlying theme that keeps popping up here and there.
A B Conflict Plot
The use of a subplot that is based on conflict may take place between characters. You might recognize this use of subplot. From the way that characters have an underlying feud among themselves. That again is secondary to the primary plot and purpose of the story.
A B Character Arc
Perhaps you have your primary character arcs that go along with your main plot. But a particular character has a subplot in which their arc contributes further to their development. The use of character arcs as subplots comes up in a lot of the films that are produced in modern cinema.
A Comic Relief Plot
Perhaps you’re watching a drama, but there’s an underlying comedic element and a plot that tends to come back to a lighthearted laugh. The use of comedic subplots is very common in dramas and romance films.
In Summary
So, what is a subplot in film? It’s the use of a secondary plot device that goes along with the original plot but acts as a lesser focused element with a similar structure to the main plot that can build the story line, add value to characters or otherwise support the overall theme.