Subplot

A secondary plotline weaved into the story. There could be more than one of these. All these subplots usually clash with the primary plot down the line.  For example, In Se7en, we spend time with Mills’ wife, so that we understand his agony when the box arrives.

It’s important to make the subplots feel like the part of the same movie and have them thematically related to what’s going on in the primary plot. 

Using the same example, Se7en is about whether hope can blossom in a dark world where evil men like John Doe exist. In the primary plot, this theme is reflected in Mills’ corruption by John Doe. Similarly, the subplot with Mills’ wife is about her confiding in Somerset that she’s pregnant but contemplating about having an abortion as she is unsure about bringing a child into an immoral, dark world.

Intersecting subplots with the main plot at just the right moments is a great way to create surprises (In Crazy, Stupid, Love all the subplots come together at the climax of the movie in unexpected ways.) or save the protagonist out of an impossible situation. The latter could involve a second character unexpectedly saving the main character (In The Departed, Matt Damon’s Colin Sullivan is saved at the last minute by a fellow cop who turns out to be working for the Mob as well.) or the character using a skill he/she learned during his/her subplot. (In Kill Bill 2, Beatrix Kiddo finally slays Bill by using a technique she picked up during her stay at the temple.)

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Theme

What is your movie about? For the more analytical folk: What is the topic you’re investigating in this story? 

Casablanca is about whether if it’s worth to sacrifice personal happiness for the greater good. X-Men is about what it means to be excluded from the society due to being different. Kissing Jessica Stein is about the fluidity of sexuality. Bridesmaids is about anxieties associated with aging and friendship.

Interestingly, what a script implies the main character needs (as opposed to wants) often reveals the theme of the movie, and the point-of-view of the storyteller.  Luke needs to "Use the Force" and "Trust his Feelings" and that reveals George Lucus's theme of humanity/mysticism versus technology (as embodied by the Death Star.)

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