B2nounartsmedia
US/ˈsʌb.plɑːt/
UK/ˈsʌb.plɒt/
a less important story that happens alongside the main story in a book, film or play
In context
The romantic subplot felt unnecessary and made the film too long.
In the novel, a small subplot about the teacher becomes very important at the end.
Each episode has a funny subplot that balances the serious main story.
Words that go with subplot
adjective + noun
- romantic subplotI enjoyed the action scenes more than the romantic subplot.
- comic subplotShakespeare often adds a comic subplot to his darker plays.
- minor subplotA minor subplot follows the hero's younger brother.
- interesting subplotThere is an interesting subplot about the family's old house.
noun + preposition
- subplot aboutThe writers dropped the subplot about her missing sister.