A story begins with a character trying to make a major life decision. The character goes to sleep, and the next day the storyline splits in two. One thread of scenes follows the character showing their life if they had decided the big choice one way. The other follows the character showing their life if they had decided the big choice another way. Both paths involve unexpected downsides and upsides. Near the end of the story, the character hits their head in both storylines. For a moment, the character fully understands both realities and must choose which reality to return to.

Question

Which subplot would add tension to the story?

A)one in which there are small hints that the character was dealing with a head injury the whole time
B)one in which the character uncovers a series of clues to discover what made them dislike making big decisions.
C)one in which the character’s decision has dramatically different effects on a dear friend in each reality.

How can you choose? I would chose A.

Answer 1

Choosing subplot A introduces a unique psychological tension to the story. The character's struggle with a head injury can create an uneasy atmosphere as the audience suspects that the character's perceptions and decisions may not be entirely reliable. This can deepen the themes of choice and consequence, as the character grapples with not only the reality of their two paths but also the uncertainty of their own mental state.

Additionally, this subplot raises important questions about the nature of choice: Are they making informed decisions, or are they influenced by their injury? This ambiguity can lead to a more profound emotional impact on the audience as they consider the implications of the character's choices while grappling with the realization that something could be fundamentally wrong.

On the other hand, subplot B, where the character uncovers why they dislike making big decisions, can provide interesting introspection but might lessen the immediate tension surrounding the character's situation. Subplot C, which focuses on the effects of the character's decision on a friend, could add emotional stakes but might not resonate as deeply with the character's internal conflict.

In summary, subplot A effectively heightens both the psychological tension and the stakes of the character's journey, making it a strong choice for enhancing the overall narrative.