This is something that I struggle with, and I imagine I’m not alone. That’s why I’m grateful that Danny Manus of No BullScript Consulting answered the following question for Script Magazine: “How many subplots should I have and how do I make them work with the overall story?” Danny responded thus:
A man can’t live on ‘A’ storylines alone – and neither can your scripts. If you’re not crafting and interweaving compelling subplots and B stories into your script, your story will probably feel flat and won’t sustain for 100 minutes.
Your subplots and B stories are what add new dimensions to your script and flesh out your concept and story. Most stories have at least 2 or 3 subplots, and can have more. But you don’t want them to take AWAY from the main storyline, only add to it!
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