Me As A Writer

me as a writer

Bentley’s Hover Chair

Just felt like uploading some old Bentley/Penelope fluff

I saw some footage from Playstation Move Heroes and I noticed that the Bentley design in that game included a hovering wheelchair. And I like to believe that this was his primary motivation for building it. …..yeah, I know. I’m a huge sap. ^_^;

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jenna12381

1 year ago

'Dynamic Duo' is a decent mission in an otherwise lacklustre episode, but what i really love about it is how much it develops Penelope's character. from giving her a cutie health metre (and by extent establishing lavender purple as her signature colour. iconic) to having the targets look like pieces of cheese because y'know she's a mouse

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jenna12381

1 year ago

Flower crowns for flower crimes

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jenna12381

5 months ago

Thievius Raccoonus Rebound - A Sly Cooper fan-zine.

YES, it's finally here! I could rattle about it's development but I did most of that in the foreword. Though I forgot to mention two details. - We included 'Original Ancestors. Don't worry there's only two of them and are an excellent and creative supplement to the Cooper bloodline in my honest opinion. They're written and illustrated in the style this zine was inspired by (the ancestral book) and we hope you enjoy them. - We also included 'Honourable Mentions' after Conner's page. I could've made a whole page just, announcing them but couldn't think of much to fill it in with SO, honourable mentions are canon characters who, in some way, shape or form assisted the Cooper family in the past. - These pages have transcripts! They're in the image description. That's all! We hope you enjoy and sharing would be appreciated! Thank you!

First of all, Thanks!

This project was supposed to take two months but ended up taking a
whopping four months. Some ancestors were more difficult to research
than we thought, folks had jobs and exams to tend to and to top it all off,
my laptop of five years conked on me on the day I planned
to publish this zine!

So, thank you for your patience and thanks to the team for sticking with it!

I'd also like to stress that this is a FAN-ZINE, not an actual recreation of the
Thievius Raccoonus.

While that would be a neat project, it would take a bigger team and even more
time which right now, feels a little TOO ambitious but who knows!
I'd like to thank the Sly Cooper community for sharing this project around as
much as you have and supporting ThiefNet as a whole. After all you guys are
make things like these happen and I'd like to host more fun little projects
with a low entry level in the future.

If you're unfamiliar with the concept, a fan-zine can vary in content or theme
but generally, they're collections of fanmade content, often artwork.
TRR was inspired both by the family book and the way game manuals (like Sly 1's)
had little 'case files' or beastiary pages etc on characters, NPCs, and bosses.
The text on these pages is as close to canon information we could find but
at times it'll be supplemented by expanding on something related to the
character or an educated assumption based on things such as time period.
We only did this when there wasn't much info on a particular ancestor.
If we got something wrong or you think we didn't stick to canon enough,
PLEASE, DO NOT HARASS THE TEAM.

While comments are appreciated, it is no time or space to correct us.
If you'd like to help us stick to canon in future projects, the ThiefNet Discord
has a special catalog for all the games, comics, game assets and lore where
you can post and perhaps even debate with other lore enthusiasts alike!

With that being said, I hope you enjoy.

- Umbra, admin of ThiefNet.

The very first Cooper in documented history, Slythunkhamen is the first of the Cooper Clan and the first pharaoh in his generation. From his early days he learned quickly that the shadows were his most suitable place for thievery. Whether it was early mornings in the desert or the late brisk nights of the markets, Slythunkhamen would come home with a basket filled with fresh produce, grain and other resources to sustain himself. Hiding in the shadows and behind vases was good while lasted but soon he would learn a useful technique that would be passed down to his son and future generations. One night, he was chased after by a guard. Slytunkhamen would in the shadows and as the guard came near, his physical form became transparent. The guard would walk right past him and never take notice. Thus, the skill of invisibility was created. This skill would allow any Cooper to become invisible, so long as they stay still. Any movement will disrupt the ability and reveal yourself. This skill would be the first of many powers in the Cooper Clan.

Years have passed and Slytunkhamen has become a father. He had many duties on his plate but his thieving days never slowed down. While his family was safe and asleep at home, Slytunkhamen would go out for a late night heist. Gathering a good harvest, he was well on his way home. He successfully evaded many guards that night but a strange winged creature was following him. The silhouette was haunting and the pharaoh assumed it was some sort of spirit who escaped from the realm of the dead. After taking cover behind a building, the pharaoh's breathe stood still as he vanished. The winged shadow beast would leave and Slytunkhamen could finally catch his breath. Who knows if their paths would ever cross again?

The descendant of Slytunkhamen, and the founder of the Cooper Vault. Like his father, Slytunkhamen II was a master thief in Egypt, and the first descendant in what would be a long line of master thieves. He started his fortune by being employed by the great Pharaohs, stealing from the corrupt to begin piling his massive fortune. He would often utilize his father’s “invisibility” technique to make most of his heists successful. His canes he used were two sickles, perfect for navigating and climbing his way around Egypt. His exploits were so legendary, no one would have ever known of him if not for the Thievius Raccoonus.

An ancestor from circa 940 Arabia, Salim al-Kupar is said to have the stealth of 40 thieves.However it is debated if this is meant to be taken literally or figuratively as some sources claim he lead the infamous 40 Thieves gang as well. If this is the case, Salim would have held the record for the largest active thief gang to date or at least share the title with Henriette 'One-eye' Cooper as the exact number of crew members on her ship is unknown and often fluctuated. In fact it's common for exact numbers to fluctuate and thus sources would remain vague as the only source would be Salim himself.

Salim was an accomplished climber who invented a technique known as 'The Climbing Cobra' that allowed him to ascend and descend quickly while climbing vertically. In his lifetime him and his fellow thieves were so accomplished at their work that he managed to retire around the age of 40. This would make Salim one of the few whose records don't end abruptly due to sudden death by Clockwork's claws.

Sir Galleth Cooper was a knight from Medieval England, having lived around circa. 1300. In his hands the family cane resembled a lance and he was one of the few ancestors to carry a secondary weapon, in his case a one-handed steel sword. His shield bears the Cooper family emblem though it can also be seen on his armor at times. Rather than a gang of thieves, Galleth ran with an order of knights who did not serve any king but rather stole from corrupt nobility. His signature move called 'The Catapult Crash' allowed him to break through barriers while using his lance to launch himself while hanging from a wall and his sword to break anything in his path. His own writings made him appear like a brave and capable knight, though other sources claim that boasting may have been one of his many talents.

An ancestor from 15th century Scotland, not much is known about Slaigh's life. How he got this tall is unknown but just like a member of the Cooper family, he adapted and favored strength of stealth. It is said he did try to remain in the shadows as much as possible however, by hugging any walls and dark corners he could find. Though, it is likely most smaller guards would rather avoid fighting with Slaigh as he was said to be so strong he could break open a safe with a single blow of this case. Said cane resembles a club more than a cane due to it's size and the materials used to make it.

Unfortunately, as stated earlier not much is known about Slaigh. He did not seem to be the type to write down his exploits as there was a lot of unrest during the 15th century which proved rich with opportunity to steal from the elite. We don't know how he passed away either, it could have been Clockwork but it could've just as easily been the Black Plague as it decreased the Scottish population to half a million by the beginning of the 16th century.

Rioichi Cooper, Sly’s Japanese ancestor, was born in the 1560’s during feudal Japan. Not much is known about this sneaky ancestor other than his development of the “Ninja Spire Jump” technique he used to move around the castles of Japan, staying out of sight from prying eyes. His silent movement and swift hands made short work of many a shogun’s wallet. There was nothing out of reach for him and his twin canes. Legend would have it he would not steal from just anyone, but only from those who stole from the innocent. There are rumor that Riochi would say there was no honor in stealing from anyone except master thieves themselves. It was with this mindset that Rioichi Cooper would become Japan’s greatest thief and the creator of the Code of Honor the Cooper family adheres to... mostly.

The ninja spire jump is performed by focusing one's energy, and placing it all on the point of landing. A true thief can see an aura surrounding their options, and execute landing effortlessly on any point. This includes anything from spires, antennas, even blades. Rioichi would further develop this technique throughout his life and turn it into the Leaping Dragon, where once could launch themselves from a spire, instead of merely jumping, covering greater distances.

Henriette 'One-Eyed' Coper was Sly's Pirate Ancestor. She sailed the Caribbean in the 1600's and made her fortune as a pirate does. Captain of the motley crew, she would sail and pillage off of big name pirates to earn 'a True Thief's Booty.' as she called it. Her ship, 'The Thievius' was the fastest on the seas and no amount of lawmen were able to out-maneuver her. Her homage to the Cooper legacy was in her cane which was more of a dagger. It had a small blade on one end and a miniature version of the signature hook on the other. No one would ever ask how she lost her eye unless you wanted to lose in a swearing contest. As untamed as she was on the seven seas, Henriette was a force to be reckoned with. One worthy of envy.

On a fateful day, Henriette was coming up from her cabin responding to some kind of commotion. Her crew had dropped like flies from the glare of a menacing pair of red, evil eyes among the fog. Clockwerk. Henriette looked up at her family nemesis and though dazed and confused, kept her wits about her enough to make an escape. She theorizes that her lack of one eye saved her life. Below is a surviving excerpt from her own journal.

" And see I did off the port bow, the frightening gaze of an eagle. My strong and seaworthy crew, transfixed in it's terrible faze, lay motionless and silent. All but myself fell victim to it's heart-stopping stare. Perhaps my eye patch protected me during the ordeal and I alone manned the ship away from the flying beast.

I fear it may strike again."

Agatha Cooper, circa 1690, was known for dabbling in the art of witchcraft in colonial America. Shunned by her peers for this, she took residence in a cottage in the woods, forming a coven of witches she'd 'stolen' that would soon become her gang of thieves. Amongst the coven was Mary Gale, a young deer who would become Agatha's most trusted partner and means of escape, with old rumors claiming the duo were seen silhouetted against a full moon though there is no real evidence of this happening.

Agatha only had one rule when it came to stealing and it was 'Bring No Harm'. making her one of the few Cooper ancestors who was considered a pacifist, as her boline was primarily used to cut drawstrings off coin purses and herbs for medicine. This did come with the risk of injuries in an unprepared fight, so she and Mary decided to look into another form of magic: Lucky charms. Agatha and her coven first used silver horseshoes, mostly worn on the bands of their hats which kept them protected from a singular major injury before they switched to golden horseshoes, some continuing to wear them on their hats or around their necks which kept them protected from a few extra hats.

Medieval script text:
"To leapeth high in the air, cast the X charm.
To fend thyself from harmeth, cast the square charm.
To perform near a Stealth Aura, jumpeth and cast the circle charm.
To perform a special charm, cast the triangle charm."

A legendary outlaw from circa 1860, Tennessee was most known for perhaps the most daring heists in the entire Cooper family history. He specialized in bank and train robberies, though that might mean he has broken the family code of honor as said banks would hold the accounts of innocent civilians. Rather than just the cane, Tennessee turned to gunslinging and obtained a custom made handle in the shape of the family cane for his revolver. If his reflexes and his aim can't get him out of a situation, his special Rail Slide technique will. Though the name is rather straight forward, the skill needed to execute the technique is not as it requires a well trained sense of balance and forward motion. This technique was most useful in the Old West due to railway transportation being a constantly expanding and developing technological field. Due to how few records were kept on his activities besides his legendary heists not much is known about the Outlaw. Even the Cooper Vault does not feature a painting but rather a wanted poster with a bounty of $5000 dollars. In today's economy, that would equal to $189,636.14 dollars.

Thaddeus Windslow Cooper III, has there ever been more of a gentleman? Born in the 1800's in England Thaddeus grew up in high society. He received the best education in London, performing well in all metrics and the ones he didn't he had a certain 'charm' with the teachers to change their minds. Once he became of age he inherited the Thievius Raccoonus and began his time as a master thief. Being in the heart of London there was no shortage of crime happening so there was no better place for a thief like him. Thaddeus would attend balls, charming the guests and making off with their fortunes as well as targeting rich families directly, leaving their vaults empty come daybreak. He would end up retiring a wealthy man.

Thaddeus Windslow Cooper III was a mind before his time. One of his key achievements was designing a flying machine, which is about 100 years before the world would come to know what an Aeroplane even is. Despite his career as a master thief he sought to maintain his high society lifestyle and so he wore a persona of being a kind, brilliant and generous head of House Cooper. His wit and intelligence was so well known that Scotland Yard even worked with him to help stop the long string of theft that kept happening throughout London. With Thaddeus playing both sides, information was easy to gather and with his fondness for disguises he could play many roles. There was no house more wealthy, no house more generous than House Cooper.

He would attend social events hosted by the family or business he was casing, spending time talking with the figureheads about their business, history and goals, offering hefty 'investments' on occasion to earn their trust. Once considered a part of the inner circle, being invited for tea was like inviting a ravenous lion into a meatlocker. He would take nothing for months only to strike the one night the family would not be home, leaving the home stripped of anything valuable.

Otto Van Cooper stands out among the Cooper ancestors due to his speciality not being stealth, strength or agility but rather intelligence. Having lived during the 1900s, an era full of technological innovation, Otto made up for what he lacked with technological know-how. There is no evidence that suggests he ever used a cane of some kind at all, but rather the rotary blades of his biplane were bent in the iconic hook shape. Said plane was equipped with an impressive amount of gadgets and features Otto would use to pull off his heists and his inventions would later be used by the Cooper gang's own van. His succesful lifetime is a testament to the adaptability of the Cooper bloodline, to overcome set-backs and defy the odds. The sky is no longer the limit.

Bentley is the brains of the Cooper Gang. He's a self-taught hacker and technical jack of all trades. He knows his way around explosives and remote control vehicles Bentley is also responsible for the vast majority of the planning that goes into the gang's heists. As an orphan himself he met Sly and Murray at Happy Camper Orphanage. The trio grew up like brothers, coming together for their first heist to steal a jar of cookies. And thus the Cooper Gang was born. While initially staying within the safety of the van, he eventually came out of his shell, joining Sly in the field. During their final confrontation with Clock-la Bentley suffered an injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down. While losing his ability to walk was difficult to come to terms with, he was more upset about his friend blaming himself. Bentley would go on to develop a high-tech wheelchair to get him around in the field. With everything going on Bentley became introspective, questioning his abilities and place in the gang. After meeting Penelope, the love of his life, he gained a new found confidence. Though his current where-abouts are unknown, he's allegedly working on a Time Machine.

While many people consider him 'the muscle' or 'the brawn' of the gang, Murray himself (and his friends) would describe him as the heart. Both in a physical sense as he protects his loved ones from harm with force if needed, but also emotionally as an honest and reliable companion. Though his origins are an enigma, he wound up in Happy Camper Orphanage around the same time as his two best friends, Sly and Bentley. The three of them grew up to be inseparable, like family. Murray wasn't always known for his skills as a fighter, in fact in his early days out in the field he would much rather avoid combat an relied on Sly to cover him. Their success together as a team would give Murray the courage to not only go on more daunting missions, he now had the courage to do them on his own. (Though his friends would never be far away, thanks Bentley's binocucoms)

While Murray's passion to protect those he cares about got the gang out of quite a few scrapes, his worst nightmare would become a reality during the gang's confrontation with Clock-la. Losing the van already did a number on him but it would be the injury Bentley sustained that would break the hippo's heart of gold. Murray would go on to blame himself for not being able to prevent this and took some time off from his life as a member of the Cooper Gang. He'd travel the world, wandering all the way to Australia where he met the Guru. As a student of Dreamtime, Murray had returned to a more pacifist way of life.

After being sent on a spirit quest to Italy, he would run into his two best friends once more. Their time apart allowed them all to process things in their own way but it would be Bentley that convinced him it's time to let go of his feelings of guilt and rejoin the gang. A favor Murray would pay back in full not just by rejoining the group and helping in convincing the Guru to join too, but by reminding Bentley of their bond as brothers on Kaine Island. After Sly's retirement, Murray completed his training with the Guru and followed his other passion in life, racing. According to the ranks, Murray may give a lot of people a run for their money.

Graduating at the top of her class from Sleath Academy, Carmelita Montoya Fox joined Interpol's investigative services shortly after. It didn't take long for her to run into Sly, who was at the time stealing a personnel file on himself. Through her many encounters with Sly Cooper and his gang she managed to bag the most notorious and dastardly villains around the world. The Fiendish Five and the Klaww Gang all fell under he boot but she was never able to get the Cooper gang. Each encounter after the last though, there was something about Sly she found charming. The two of them, despite being opposites, did have an attraction for each other. Carmelita even went out of her way to save Sly not once, but twice during the heist of the Cooper family vault. During Sly's confrontation with Dr M, Sly got injured and suffered from amnesia. Instead of arresting him then and there she decided to take him under her wing, to see if they could work things out.

An aboriginal shaman koala from Yuendumu, Australia. The Guru first encountered the Cooper gang through Murray who become his student during his break to heal from some trauma and find himself again. His kind and pacifist nature made him a great teacher but lead a mining organization to take advantage of it and imprison him. They destroyed his home and disturbed an ancient, and powerful supernatural force he was protecting know as the Mask of Dark Earth. He promised the gang of thieves his assistance if they help him restore his home and deal with the mask. The Guru can do much more than give life advice as a master of Dreamtime. He's capable of controlling the minds of other creatures as well as seemingly changing shape though it's more likely he simply makes you believe you're looking at a rock. He's also shown to have a sense of humor, going along with the gang's pranks and disguises. Using his abilities he has gotten the gang out of many threatening situations, putting his own safety on the line. After the big heist on Kaine Island the Guru faded into obscurity once more but still taking on students. The Guru was last sighted meditating in a park in Central New York.

Penelope is an expert RC specialist, known for her work with planes. At a young age, she attempted to join the dog-fighting league, but due to being under the age restriction, she was denied entry. To bypass this, she took on the persona of the Black Baron, who then proceeded to win the league and became a celebrity. Penelope would find herself wearing the costume more and more, living a double life as a dogfighting champion and his personal mechanic, thus going on to create the ACES dogfighting competition in Kinderdijk, Holland.

Penelope was soon contacted by the Cooper Gang's Bentley, who offered her a chance at a heist to break into the Cooper Vault on Kaine Island, which she only accepted if they could prove themselves in the ACES competition against the Baron. After a battle of fisticuffs with Sly Cooper, Penelope's secret was finally revealed and she threw her disguise away to start anew, keeping her end of the deal.

Once the heist was finished, Penelope and Bentley would continue to work together as partners.

The Panda King is a Pyrotechnician with a specialty in fireworks that resides in the Kunlun Mountains in China. He's known by the Cooper Gang for his involvement with the Fiendish Five, their theft of the Thievius Raccoonus and murder of Sly's parents.He has a hot temper and channels both that and his skills with fireworks into his martial art form he calls "Flame-Fu". Nearing the end of his time with the Fiendish Five he was defeated by Sly Cooper and subsequently imprisoned. After his release he was reunited with his daughter, Jing King but his peace didn't last. His daughter was abducted by General Tsao and he was exiled from his home. He used this time to try and find inner peace as a monk. The Cooper Gang used this to their advantage to recruit his assistance in their heist of the Cooper Vault. With the Guru's charm and a success in Jing King free, he agreed to become their demolitions expert.

After this final job, the Panda King has retired and returned home to watch over his daughter. He's determined to keep her safe from any other suitors with bad intentions like General Tsao.

A self-made Marine Iguana who mastered the art of turning failure into success through petty anger and clever marketing. Learning English from old-school Hip Hop music videos and studying art in college made him into one of the most memorable people one could ever meet. Dimitri's eccentric nature has proven so intriguing it allowed him to manage three enterprises at a time. Failing as an artist he took revenge by forging classical paintings, proving a point that he's not only a good painter but the 'experts' were unable to tell that they were spending money on a fake. With his new income he financed his Nightclub to serve as a legit business he could cover his criminal activities with. Making a name for himself in a short amount of time he was invited to join the Klaww Gang as a Spice distributor. His fame and money ultimately went to his head, using the Clockwork tail feathers as printing plates for a money printing operation which was shut down after his inevitable run-in with Sly Cooper.

Being humbled by the thief, Dimitri re-evaluated his life.

After his arrest Dimitri eventually ran into the Master Thief by sheer chance and cut the raccoon a deal to help him find his friend in return for his freedom.They ran into each other a second time and yet again, struck a deal to help each other. This time Dimitri asked something much, much bigger from the gang. To steal back his family heirloom, his grandfather Reme Lousteau's scuba diving gear from a dangerous pirate island. In return for the effort, Dimitri simply joined the gang by his own choice without an invitation this time and used his natural diving skills for good. Even after his time with the Cooper gang he stuck to his new passion of diving and quickly regained his lost popularity. This time however, he remained somewhat humble and kept in touch with his new friends, sending post-cards to let them know that not only was he okay, he was more than okay.

He's still here, wishing you were fine, like him.

Written Credits: @stephguzdoodles Twitter: https://x.com/StephGuzDoodles BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/StephGuzDoodles.bsky.social @luckyraccoon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lluckylabrador/profilecard/?igsh=OTJ1bjF4bG9qZThj @inkingkitsune BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/inkingkitsune.bsky.social @sadiemacoy Ko-fi: SadieMacoy // https://ko-fi.com/sadiemacoy69360 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sadiemacoy.bsky.social

@ceschiart Twitter: https://x.com/CeschiArt Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/ceschi Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ceschiart @mettamez Twitter: https://x.com/MettaMez @kitkat-the-artist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitkat_theartist/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kitkattheartist.bsky.social

Mr_Mysterious (not on Tumblr) Instagram: mr.mysterious_official Twitter: Mr_Mysterious05 @shoobaydoobay Twitter: https://x.com/shoobaydoobay Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoobaydoobay/ @cooper-legacy @sabrinacat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabrinacat101?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/auroraphoenix.bsky.social Acruxicon (not on tumblr) Twitter: https://twitter.com/Acruxicon BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/acruxicon.bsky.social Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Acruxicon Newgrounds: https://acruxicon.newgrounds.com/ Groovy Will (not on tumblr) Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/groovywill.bsky.social Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroovyWill

Desfinity (not on tumblr) Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/desfinity.bsky.social

@danscarf Twitter: https://x.com/Dan_Scarf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dan_scarf_/

@sketchiigrump Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sketchiigrump.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sketchiigrump/

@midasmagusart Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/midasmagus.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midasmagus

@innawhiledubs Twitter: https://x.com/innawhiledubs Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@innawhiledubs Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/innawhiledubs.bsky.social

@umbra-borealis Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/umbraborealis.bsky.social @fr00tb0wl (Writing and Research assist) Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fr00tb0wl.bsky.social

Writing Notes: Subplots

Romeo and Juliet (detail)
Frank Dicksee
1884

Subplot - a side story that runs parallel to the main plot.

It has a secondary strand of characters and events that can infuse important information into the main storyline.

Also known as a minor story, a subplot creates a richer, more complex narrative arc in novel writing and other storytelling mediums.

When crafting a narrative, a writer’s job is to create a compelling story.

One way to do that is through subplots—secondary storylines found in novels, plays, television shows, and movies.

In creative writing, a subplot can reveal more about secondary characters, create plot twists, and add another dimension to a story.

Most importantly, a good subplot raises the stakes for a main character.

An Example: Romeo and Juliet

William Shakespeare weaves several subplots throughout this tragic love story.

The backstory of the long-running feud between rival families, the Capulets and Montagues, creates the central conflict in the play—two young lovers from warring families desperate to find a way to be together.

The subplots involving the warring families create dramatic plot points that escalate the tension, like when Romeo’s best friend Mercutio is killed by Juliet’s cousin Tybalt.

4 Types of Subplots

When coming up with writing ideas to enhance your main plot, think of using one or more subplots. These could include any of the following:

Mirror subplot: A smaller-scale conflict mirrors the main character’s in order to teach them a valuable lesson or illuminate how to resolve the conflict.

Contrasting subplot: A secondary character faces similar circumstances and dilemmas as the main character but makes different decisions with the opposite outcome.

Complicating subplot: A secondary character makes matters worse for the main character.

Romantic subplot: The main character has a love interest, and this relationship complicates the main plot.

6 Tips for Writing Better Subplots

When you’re writing a book, always brainstorm the best subplot ideas that can deepen the tension and make your main character’s scenario more complex.

Try these tips when you craft your next narrative:

Ensure that your subplots play second fiddle.

A subplot exists to support your main storyline but should never overpower it.

Subplots should end before the main plot.

The exception to this rule is a romantic subplot, which often concludes in the final scene.

Give your subplots a narrative arc.

Subplots are stories, too.

Create a narrative framework for each, though on a smaller scale than your main plot.

Use this technique to tell a supporting character’s story that affects the protagonist’s actions.

You might even incorporate flashbacks as a subplot, mirroring a character’s journey with something that happened in their earlier days, like high school.

Write character-driven subplots.

Just like your main story, characters should drive the action in a subplot.

Create foils that can highlight qualities in your main character.

These characters will either help or hinder the protagonist in the story.

Try a new POV.

Your subplot might provide information that your main character is unaware of.

If your main plot is told in first person, try changing the point of view in the subplot to third person.

Figure out how to connect the subplot and the main plot.

There are numerous ways to use subplots.

A parallel subplot runs throughout the entirety of the story, showing different sides of the same plot.

This builds suspense as the reader waits for the two plots to collide (think The Fugitive).

You can also write small, isolated subplots.

Briefly introduce a character who drops in early on, then revisit their journey near the end of the story to shed light on the deeper meaning of your main plot.

Ramp up the tension with a subplot.

Propel your main story with information revealed in your side stories.

Subplots are a strong medium for foreshadowing events, so use them to drop hints and clues.

Source

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jenna12381

1 year ago