Question

1. identify the flashback/memory: what past event is mentioned?

part 4: creative application
tip: a subplot adds depth to a story but shouldnt overshadow the main conflict
imagine you are writing a story about a student trying to win a robotics competition (main conflict). create a brief idea for a subplot involving the same character.

Explanation:

To create a subplot, we need a story element that relates to the main character (the student) and doesn't overshadow the main conflict (winning the robotics competition). A common subplot could involve a personal relationship or a past event that affects the present. For example, the student could have a strained relationship with a family member who is also interested in robotics, and this relationship develops as the competition progresses. Or, the student could be struggling to balance the competition with helping a friend who is going through a tough time, like failing a class and needing tutoring. Let's choose a subplot about the student's friendship: The student's best friend is feeling left out because the student is so focused on the robotics competition. The subplot follows their friendship as the student tries to make time for their friend while preparing for the competition, and the friend eventually offers unexpected help with the robot's programming when they see how passionate the student is.

Answer:

Subplot Idea: The student (main character) has a best friend who feels neglected as the student prioritizes the robotics competition. The subplot explores their friendship: the friend is initially hurt by the student’s lack of time, but as the competition nears, the friend, who is good at coding (but not interested in robotics), notices a bug in the robot’s program that the student missed. The friend offers to help fix it, and in the process, their friendship is rekindled, with the student learning to balance their passion with their relationships.