I am overplotting my story - how can I figure out what is necessary and cut out what isn't?

Question

I have recently discovered that the plot and cast of characters of my novel is so unbelievably complex that I am the only one who can actually understand it. I have too many characters, with too many subplots, and so many different events involved in the conflict that I can't even concisely explain the plot anymore. I don't really want to cut characters, because even though there are a few of them that aren't as important they are some of my favorites and still have important roles in the main storyline. Additionally, without understanding the histories of the characters and the subplots relating to them you can't grasp their motivations and the reasoning behind their roles in the main plot. I'm currently using a plot outline template to try and simplify the story, but all I'm doing is confusing myself.Does anyone have any advice on figuring out what _is_ necessary, and cutting out what just makes the plot hard to understand?

Answer 1

To start off, having too many ideas is better than having too little! However, I know it can be frustrating to juggle too many concepts, especially if others are not grasping it. With that being said, many of my favorite stories or series cannot be easily or concisely explained because they are complex, which is not necessarily a bad thing! That can make your novel unique and intriguing to readers who have to get all the way to the end to fully unravel your story’s meaning. 

As far as technique, it is great that you are using a plot outline template to map out what you have. I would start by highlighting what is essential to your plot. Find out if there are any elements that can be fused together to simplify what is there. Finally, consider allowing a complex plot to continue but allow more time (or more books in a series?) to work everything out. Multiple layers of mystery before full resolution is achieved keeps readers interested as long as there is consistent progress throughout a longer plot.  

All in all, it may be helpful for you to have a conversation with an author for them to identify what is working and what isn’t in your plot. As a published author myself, I’m always available, and wish you the best of luck regardless!