Speaking: Storytelling & Narrative Skills B2
Structuring Complex Narratives with Subplots
Main Plot vs. Subplot intertwined_stories
A complex narrative has two key components that work together.
The primary story or main goal. It answers: "What is this story mostly about?"
Example: My goal was to get a promotion at work.
A smaller, secondary story. It often complicates or influences the main plot.
Example: At the same time, my colleague and I were becoming very competitive.
Example Story Breakdown
Listen to this story about preparing for an exam. Notice how the speaker weaves the main plot (studying) with a subplot (a family problem).
1. Main Plot Introduction
"The biggest challenge of my university life was preparing for my final law exam. I needed a high score to qualify for a scholarship."
2. Subplot Introduction
"At the same time, my family was facing a difficult situation; my grandmother, who lived with us, fell ill and needed a lot of care."
3. Development & Connection
"So, I was trying to study complex legal texts, but my mind was often preoccupied. Some days, I had to miss study sessions to take her to the hospital. As a consequence, my stress levels were incredibly high."
4. Climax & Resolution
"A week before the exam, my grandmother's health improved. Seeing her get better gave me the motivation I needed. I studied non-stop, passed the exam, and got the scholarship. It felt like I had overcome two huge challenges at once."
Tools & Practice 🛠️
💡 Transition Phrases for Switching Plots
To move smoothly between your main plot and subplot, use clear transition phrases.
To Introduce a Subplot:
- "Meanwhile..."
- "At the same time..."
- "In the background of all this..."
To Show How the Plots Connect:
- "Because of this,..."
- "This had a direct impact on..."
- "As a consequence,..."
🎯 Practice Quiz: Identify the Plot Elements
Story: "My main goal was to save money for a new motorbike. Meanwhile, I was taking an evening English class. The class was expensive, which made it harder to save. However, the English skills I learned helped me get a better-paying job, which allowed me to save money much faster and buy the motorbike."
Question: How does the subplot influence the main plot?
- It had no effect.
- It first created a problem but then provided the solution.
- It was a completely separate story.
→ Answer: B. The subplot (English class) first made the main plot (saving money) more difficult, but ultimately helped to resolve it.
Key Vocabulary
- Weave To combine facts, events, and details together to create a story.
- Subplot A secondary storyline in a narrative that runs alongside the main story.
- Narrative A story or a description of a series of connected events.
- Climax The most intense, exciting, or important point of a story.
Your Mission: Tell a Richer Story ⭐
Your mission is to practice telling a story with both a main plot and a subplot.
- Think of a major goal you worked toward. This is your Main Plot. (e.g., "I was training for my first 10k race.")
- Think of something else important happening at the same time. This is your Subplot. (e.g., "At the same time, I was also helping my friend plan their wedding.")
- Plan your story. How did the subplot affect the main plot?
- Record yourself telling the story for 90 seconds. Try to use the structure from this lesson to weave the two stories together.