Speaking: Storytelling & Narrative Skills B2
Structuring Complex Narratives with Subplots
Listen to the story examples here.
What is a Subplot?
A subplot is a "mini-story" inside your main story. It happens at the same time and makes your narrative more complex and interesting. Compare these two stories:
SIMPLE NARRATIVE 😐
"I went to my friend's wedding on Saturday. I was almost late, but I got there just in time. The wedding was beautiful."
COMPLEX NARRATIVE (with Subplot) 🔥
"I was racing to my friend's wedding on Saturday. [Main Plot] Meanwhile, my brother was calling me non-stop. [Subplot] He was lost trying to find the venue. I was juggling Google Maps for him while trying to drive! Anyway, back to the wedding... [Main Plot] I finally found him, and we both ran in just as the music started."
The subplot (the lost brother) adds suspense and makes the main plot (being late for the wedding) more engaging.
Signposting: Your Storytelling GPS 🗺️ (Click 🔊)
To use subplots without confusing your listener, you must use signposting language. These are phrases that tell your listener "We are leaving the main story" or "We are returning to the main story."
Use these to introduce the subplot:
- Meanwhile...
- At the same time...
- What I didn't realize was...
Use these to come back to your main point:
- Anyway, getting back to...
- So, back to my story...
- Later on...
Pronunciation Tip
🗣️ Pacing and Pausing for Subplots
When you switch to a subplot, your voice should signal the change. Try speaking a little faster and quieter to show it's "side information."
Main Story: "So I was getting ready for my interview..." (Normal pace, clear voice)
Subplot: "...and at the same time my cat knocked over a huge plant all over the floor..." (Faster, slightly lower pitch)
Return: "Anyway, I finally got out the door and..." (Clear, strong intonation on "Anyway")
Practice Your Story Structure 🎯
Practice Quiz: Find the Signpost (Self-Check)
Read the mini-stories and choose the correct answer. Click the "Check Answers" button when you are done.
1. "I was trying to cook dinner. ...[BLANK]..., my kids were shouting and playing in the next room. It was so distracting."
Which phrase best introduces the subplot?
2. "I was trying to explain the problem to my boss. ...[Subplot about a computer crash]... ...[BLANK]..., he finally understood what I meant."
Which phrase best *returns* to the main plot?
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
- Narrative A story that is told or written.
- Subplot A secondary story that happens alongside the main story.
- Signposting Using words or phrases to show the structure of your speech.
- Meanwhile Used to show that something else is happening at the same time.
- To get sidetracked To be distracted from your main topic or goal.
- To recap To summarize or state the main points again.
Your Mission: The "Interrupted" Story ⭐
Your mission is to tell a simple, 1-minute story and intentionally add a subplot to it.
- Choose a simple main plot: (e.g., "I was taking my final exam," "I was cooking a new recipe," "I was on a first date.")
- Add a simple subplot: (e.g., "My phone kept vibrating," "The weather suddenly changed," "I saw someone I knew.")
- Tell the story. Make sure to use one phrase to **introduce** your subplot (like "Meanwhile...") and one phrase to **return** to your main plot (like "Anyway, getting back to...").
Practice: "I was taking my final exam, and it was really difficult. At the same time, I could hear loud construction noise outside the window. It was so hard to concentrate! So, back to the exam... I just tried to ignore it and focus on question three."