Eiji Tunsinagi

I know I sound like an idiot but I think we all need a good description of the semiplot (and why its only 'semi'). Sorry if this question makes you crack your head open against a concrete wall.

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Vixen

At risk of sounding stupid, I have no idea what you are talking about. Semi-plots are not mentioned in the dictionary, and google turns up one entree, from a writing forum! Is this some hodgepodge cumulatory word, or what?

Sam

I’d imagine that a ‘semi-plot’ is simply another word for the non-essential intricacies of a story, such as, say, why Indiana Jones has a fear of snakes. It’s not essential knowledge for us to enjoy his raiding of tombs, but it gives added depth.

Actually, a really good example of what I mean comes in the form of optional character conversions aboard the Ebon Hawk in ‘Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic’, available on Xbox and PC. You do not have to ask your party members how things are going, but by doing so you can wean out information about their pasts and motives. You don’t need to know about Mission’s growing up in the slums on Taris, but the surplus info strengthens the attachment between you and your characters, and, ultimately, drawing you deeper into the story.

Anyway, that is enough stating of the obvious for one post. I’ll get me coat…

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eleutheromaniac

I think someone just bastardised 'sub-plot' by incorrectly calling it 'semi-plot'. That kind of thing happens all the time. I've never heard of 'semi-plot' before, and apparently neither has anyone else. I think what Sam is refering to is correctly called a sub-plot.

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Augmented Reality

Eiji Tunsinagi

Yeah, they called it semiplot. Anyway, is it really that important in a story? How long should I spend explaining subplots?

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"nothing is perfect, nothing lasts, and nothing is finished."

"how will you go about finding that thing the nature of which is totally unknown to you?"

Talia_Brie

A sub-plot is really any plot that runs through the story that isn't the main plot. How long should they be? As long as required I guess. How many do you need? As many as you feel you need. Don't worry about the sub-plot taking over from the main plot for two reasons:

1. If your protagonist isn't involved in the sub-plot, it probably won't take over, or confuse the reader.
2. If the sub-plot becomes large enough to be the main plot, then it is, and the other is the sub-plot. Woohoo! See how easy that is.

Edit like a reader - I can't remember who said that, it is is absolutely brilliant advice. If you have lots of sub-plots, read like a reader and decide if they are too complex or involved. If you are taking a lot of time with a sub-plot. Read like a reader and decide.

I guess what I'm trying to say is when you're writing, don't get too caught up in the mechanics. Let the story tell itself. You'll end up with about 15% unrequired content anyway, and you'll need to edit it down. When you get to that part of the process, then start thinking like a reader. Then you start controlling what's been created.

IMO

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Gladiator_008

I feel semi-plots are needed to add character TO the character to help you have a better understanding of how/why he/she acts the way they do. Such as, for example, a man finding out his wife is in a coma and so he develops a drinking problem, while seeing another woman. The semi-plot could really be either of the two, but most likely it would be the drinking problem, which develops on the side as the other story plays out.

There are all sorts of semi-plots that are secondary to the main plot and add to it in many different levels if you do it right. It definitely adds to what you are reading and if definitely makes it feel more realistic as more than one thing happens.