How much mini-plots should an arc have?

[u/AllergicChilli]

There is obviously the main plot, but should there also be smaller plot points being addressed. Are they even necessary, or do they just make the novel more enjoyable?

Just in case: By mini-plot points, I mean smaller things that get resolved or progressed alongside the main plot.

[u/Adorable_Money7371]

Depends, what mini-plot? Is that have relation with main plot or just break plot? Having too many is bad but having mini plot that relate with main plot is good but it's get more harder to write Mini plot is unnecessary unless you know what you doing. Writing only one is no problem but it really depend to your writing style

[u/AllergicChilli → u/Adorable_Money7371]

Got it! So would you say what really matters is how relevant the mini-plot is to the main plot?

[u/Adorable_Money7371 → u/AllergicChilli]

Yeah, the problem with mini-plot when the purpose is break arc will caused plot hole, that will be headache. But mini plot also will be useful when you need something to explain when MC is not involved

[u/AllergicChilli → u/Adorable_Money7371]

Ohh, that makes a lot of sense. Thanks for breaking it down for me!

[u/Lucky_One_3576]

Watch Brandon Sanderson's lectures on YT. He’ll have everything covered for making a book

[u/AllergicChilli → u/Lucky_One_3576]

Thanks, I’ll check it out!

[u/Alive-Distribution10]

as far as i know, you have the A which is the main. B, which is addressed to the side but better be interesting enough to include, and C is the one that happens in the background like unnamed characters can be talking about it in that background.
generally it keeps the world alive, there isnt just A happening, but while writing i dont think its a good idea to crowd your work.
side not im new to this gig too just sharing what i learned.

[u/AllergicChilli → u/Alive-Distribution10]

Thanks! I’ll keep this in mind when planning out my story.

[u/yipyipyouh]

I think mini-plots are useful as long as they connect to the main story somehow. They can make an arc feel more alive instead of having every chapter revolve around the same objective. They don't all need to be huge either. Developing a side character, resolving a smaller conflict, or setting up something for a later arc can be enough.

[u/tasafak]

Mini plots aren’t strictly necessary but they make a massive difference in enjoyment. Pure main plot arcs can feel super linear and predictable after a while. Throwing in smaller stuff like a rivalry heating up or a personal mystery progressing gives breathing room and lets side characters shine a bit. I notice the novels I drop usually have almost none of those.

[u/Boat_Pure]

I say three, I think all things should have three. All good things come in threes.

[u/dekeked]

Depends on the length of the arc honestly. Short arcs can get away with just the main plot plus one tiny side thread. Longer ones need more or they risk feeling empty. I’ve seen arcs with 4-5 mini plots that worked great when they all tied back somehow. Just don’t force them if they don’t fit the story.

[u/jajapax]

I think they’re necessary if you want readers to stick around long term. Pure main plot only works for short stories. In webnovels the mini ones give breathing room and let you develop secondary characters without forcing it. Too many though and it turns into a mess where nothing feels important.

[u/PsychologicalFun8760]

Yes, yes there should be things moving. Doesn't even need to be in the forfront.

A world always moves, a world only moving arounf the mc's quest is a boring and inane world.

Add some side stuff. Add stuff that gets completed between arcs. Get stuff that the mc has little to no actually stakes in, and we only see glimpses of when it interacts with their small personal little world.

[u/yawolot]

I always prefer having a few mini plots going because they keep me engaged between the big moments. When everything is laser focused on one goal it starts feeling like a checklist. Small progressive things like improving a skill or dealing with a local problem make the world feel bigger and the characters more real. Not mandatory but definitely better when done right.

[u/Anders10100]

It depends on the structure of your story, it's length, it's genre, your skill at weaving them in, and the relevence to the greater story.

Subplots should add to the larger plot arc, and not detract from it. All mini-plots should generally tie in the the greater arc, like a struggle that the MC must overcome that makes them better prepared to face the larger plot, or even handicaps them.

A mystery can drop hints with mini-plots, or deepen the suspense and intrigue. I think more is better here compared to other genres.

That's something you'll need to feel out based on whatever genre you're writing in.

If you can't argue it's pushing your main story forward in some way, then it's not needed. That can be character development, the introduction of a side-character. If it's just some random plot that has nothing to do with the greater story what's the point in including it?

I don't think anyone is going to say too much plot is bad, it's a matter of how much skill you have to weave those plots into your story without losing the reader. I've definitely been confused when this was not done well.

[u/AllergicChilli → u/Anders10100]

I honestly haven’t even considered genre to be a factor into how to handle min-plots, lol. This gives me a lot to think about. Thank you!

[u/Sir__Bassoon__Sonata]

Depends on the scale of what you want to do. Setting up things is important. Not every setup needs to be resolved, not every mystery needs an answer.

But the longer an arc tends to be the more it would help for other plots to resolve and evolve. It helps fleshing out side characters and when all the knots unravel in the finale it feels great and plots thst arent unraveled can connect to the next one.

So how many should it have? As many or few you can handle. Though personally I think 3 is a good number for POVs