Tom, will you share your thoughts on this? I value your opinion.
I've always regarded the B Story to be a specific type of subplot; what I call "the growth plot" involving an impact character whose actions are essential to the protagonist's transformation. Other subplots may serve to edify secondary themes and add dimension to the story, but the B Story subplot has a distinct purpose. For example, in Ben Stiller's "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty", I regard Walter Mitty's mother to be a B Story impact character (in addition to Cheryl, his love interest). Without the B Story (his mother's clementine cake, habit of salvaging keepsakes, her piano move, and family financial hardships), the main plot wouldn't have been resolved with impact.
Thank you for your response! I edited my comment to cite an example from a movie I often use when I nerd-out about storytelling. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is my absolute favorite movie for story structure and pacing analysis.
Tom, will you share your thoughts on this? I value your opinion.
I've always regarded the B Story to be a specific type of subplot; what I call "the growth plot" involving an impact character whose actions are essential to the protagonist's transformation. Other subplots may serve to edify secondary themes and add dimension to the story, but the B Story subplot has a distinct purpose. For example, in Ben Stiller's "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty", I regard Walter Mitty's mother to be a B Story impact character (in addition to Cheryl, his love interest). Without the B Story (his mother's clementine cake, habit of salvaging keepsakes, her piano move, and family financial hardships), the main plot wouldn't have been resolved with impact.
I have not personally thought of it in absolute terms, but yes, the primary subplot is usually the agent of change.
Thank you for your response! I edited my comment to cite an example from a movie I often use when I nerd-out about storytelling. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is my absolute favorite movie for story structure and pacing analysis.