The subplot begins when Charlie is asked to do the same experiement as Algernon. A conflict arises when the mouse always wins and Charlie begins to dislike the white mouse. After Charlie's operation, he begins to win the maze and starts to like it. He's sorry the mouse has to compete to win food. When Algernon begins to deteriorate, Charlie realizes that other people will identify him with the mouse. The subplot is resolved when Charlie buries the mouse when he dies.