1. secondary storylines that run alongside the main plot in a literary work, film, or other narrative

Examples

• The novel’s subplots about the characters’ family histories enriched the main story.
• Several romantic subplots wove through the epic fantasy series.
• The movie’s subplots helped develop the supporting characters.
• Critics praised how the author balanced the main narrative with its various subplots.
• The television series featured multiple subplots that eventually converged in the finale.
• Some readers found the numerous subplots confusing and hard to follow.