When should a writer use multiple plotlines in the same story?

Question

A. if they are loosely related to each other
B. if they are in the same genre
C. if they are unrelated to each other
D. if they share characters and a setting

Answer 1

A writer should consider using multiple plotlines in the same story primarily when:

D. if they share characters and a setting.

This creates a cohesive narrative and allows for deeper exploration of themes and character development, making the interconnectedness of the plotlines more engaging for the reader. While loosely related plotlines (A) can work in some cases, having shared characters and a setting generally strengthens the overall story.