How many subplots is too many?

Answer 1

It really depends on how many you are comfortable handling. I've read books with up to six subplots--but that I think that is the absolute limit. After all, in a story with multiple plots, we all tend to develope a favorite set of characters, and get annoyed when the story suddenly switches over to *this* guy and his adventures. So I'd keep it safe at three.

Answer 2

That's a really open ended question. It depends on how you hold the reader's attention and how the subplots interweave with the main plot. Dickens would have subplots going all over the place but they would finally all meld into the final solution. That was a part of his genius.

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Answer 3

I doubt there is a fixed number, but read the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series by George Martin for a fine example of TOO many subplots.

Answer 4

It depends. In a series of books you can handle six or seven at the most. In a single book it should only be two or three. You can experiment with more but you run the risk of confusing people. It just depends on what you're comfortable with.

Answer 5

Until you Jump The Shark.

The theme still works you're okay.

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Answer 6

More than two. It then becomes confusing.

Answer 7

to the point where the reader is irritated and discouraged.