Speaking: Storytelling & Narrative Skills B2 - Lesson 2: Structuring Complex Narratives with Subplots 📖 interwoven threads interwoven threads
Objective: To understand how to structure more complex narratives by effectively incorporating subplots that enhance the main story, and to practice techniques for weaving them together coherently in spoken narratives.
- Define what a subplot is and understand its purpose in storytelling.
- Learn how subplots can add depth, explore themes, and create interest.
- Understand techniques for introducing, developing, and resolving subplots in relation to the main plot.
- Practice planning and narrating stories that include simple, relevant subplots.
While simple stories often follow a single line of events, more complex and engaging narratives frequently involve subplots. A subplot is like a smaller, secondary story that runs alongside the main plot. When used effectively, subplots can add depth to your characters, explore different themes, build suspense, and make your overall story richer and more satisfying for the listener. This is a more advanced storytelling technique that can significantly enhance your narrative skills.
1. What is a Subplot?
A subplot is a secondary storyline that exists within the larger framework of your main narrative. It typically:
- Involves supporting characters or explores different aspects of the main character's life or challenges.
- Has its own mini-arc (beginning, middle, and end), though it's usually less developed than the main plot.
- Connects to and influences the main plot in some way, even if indirectly.
Think of it like a smaller river flowing into a larger one; it adds to the main flow and character of the river.
2. Why Use Subplots?
Subplots are not just for making a story longer; they serve important functions:
- Add Depth to Characters: They can reveal more about the main character's personality, motivations, or relationships by showing them in different situations or interacting with different people. They can also develop supporting characters, making them more rounded.
- Explore Themes: A subplot can explore a different facet of the main theme or introduce a related theme, adding complexity to your message.
- Create Suspense or Intrigue: A subplot can introduce new questions or complications that keep the listener engaged.
- Vary Pacing and Tone: A lighter subplot can provide relief from a tense main plot, or vice versa.
- Enrich the Story World: They can make the world of your story feel more realistic and populated with more interconnected lives.
3. Techniques for Weaving Subplots into the Main Narrative
- Natural Introduction: Introduce the subplot organically, not abruptly. It might stem from a character or situation already present in the main plot.
- Alternating Focus: Shift between the main plot and the subplot at logical transition points. In speaking, this might be after a key event in one plotline, using phrases like:
- "Meanwhile, back in [another location/with another character]..."
- "While all this was happening with [main plot element], [subplot element] was also unfolding..."
- "Let's not forget about [character involved in subplot]. At the same time, he was..."
- Clear Connections: The subplot should ideally relate to or impact the main plot. Ask yourself: How does this subplot affect the main character or the central conflict?
- Resolution (often intertwined): The resolution of the subplot might contribute to the resolution of the main plot, or it might resolve separately but still add to the overall meaning of the story.
- Balance: Ensure the subplot doesn't overshadow or distract too much from the main story. It should support, not dominate.
4. Example Outline: Main Plot with a Subplot
Main Plot: Srey Oun, a young woman from a village near Kampot, wants to win a regional Khmer classical dance competition to honor her late grandmother, who was a famous dancer. However, she lacks confidence and faces competition from a more technically skilled rival.
Subplot: Srey Oun's younger brother, Vuthy, is trying to repair their family's old, broken sound system so they can have music for community gatherings, which have been quiet since it broke. He struggles to find the right parts and knowledge.
Connection & Resolution Idea: Vuthy, in his efforts to fix the sound system, finds old recordings of their grandmother dancing and sharing advice. Listening to these inspires Srey Oun, giving her the unique insight and confidence she needed. She performs exceptionally well. Vuthy also manages to fix the sound system just in time for a village celebration, regardless of Srey Oun winning or not, bringing joy back to the community. The subplot has provided motivation and a thematic link to heritage for the main plot.
Practice Activities
Activity 1: Identifying Plots and Subplots
Think about a movie you've seen or a book you've read recently that had more than one storyline. Can you identify:
- The main plot (the central story)?
- One or two subplots?
- How did the subplot(s) connect to or affect the main plot?
- What was the purpose of the subplot(s) (e.g., character development, theme exploration)?
(Discuss with a partner or write down your thoughts.)
Activity 2: Developing a Subplot
Here's a simple main plot idea: "A university student in Phnom Penh is struggling to balance their studies with a part-time job to support their family."
Brainstorm a possible subplot that could be added to this main plot. Think about:
- Who would be involved in the subplot? (e.g., a classmate, a family member, a colleague)
- What would the subplot be about? (e.g., a new friendship, a challenge at work, a family issue)
- How could this subplot connect to or influence the main plot or the main character's development?
Share your subplot idea and its connection:
Sample Subplot Idea: The student's younger sibling back in their home province (e.g., Svay Rieng) is doing very well in school and hopes to also attend university one day. This subplot could provide motivation for the main character to persevere despite their struggles, as they want to be a role model and help their sibling. The connection is thematic (education, family support) and motivational for the main character.
Activity 3: Tell a Story with a Subplot
Prepare to tell a short story (2-3 minutes) – it can be a personal experience or a fictional one. Try to include a simple, relevant subplot. Focus on:
- Clearly establishing your main plot.
- Introducing a connected subplot.
- Using phrases to transition between the main plot and subplot if necessary.
- Bringing both plotlines to a satisfying conclusion.
Share your story with a partner or record yourself. Ask for feedback on the clarity and effectiveness of the subplot.
- Keep it relevant: Ensure your subplot connects to the main story and doesn't feel like a random digression.
- Don't overcomplicate: For spoken stories, especially at B2 level, one or two simple subplots are usually enough. Too many can confuse the listener.
- Maintain focus on the main plot: The subplot should support, not overshadow, your central narrative.
- Use clear transitions: Help your listener follow when you shift focus between plotlines.
- Ensure resolution: Like the main plot, subplots generally need some form of conclusion, even if it's a small one.
Summary: Incorporating subplots can significantly enrich your storytelling, adding depth to characters, exploring themes more fully, and increasing listener engagement. By learning how to weave these secondary storylines coherently into your main narrative, you can tell more complex and satisfying stories, which is a valuable skill for more advanced communication in English.