Narrative Through Lines: 3 Examples of Through Lines

A through line, sometimes written as “through-line” or “throughline,” connects themes and story structure in short stories, books, playscripts, and screenplays. Novelists, screenwriters, and playwrights might build a through line off recurring motifs, character traits, or even external plot points. A through line can maintain and clarify the audience’s attention, offering readers and viewers thematic and character insights.

The primary through line concerns the main character and might manifest as a hero’s journey or other narrative exploration. As story elements, through lines do not only pertain to protagonists. Through lines can also be essential to subplots, letting audiences and readers track supporting characters’ arcs. Stories can have two, three, four, or more subplot through lines to help create complex narratives.

The term “through line” dates back to Russian theatermaker Konstantin Stanislavski (1863–1938). Stanislavski’s acting method stipulates that when actors understand their character through line, the performance makes for a more satisfying audience experience. Knowing what characters want, what journey they are on, and what obstacles they face illuminate the character arc and ensures each word, thought, and act is intentional with support from the text.

A clear through line informs the writing process, and revisions are essential in clarifying the intention of each character’s arc and wants. Consider the following examples of through lines:

1. 1. To Kill a Mockingbird (1960): Harper Lee’s novel unfolds through the eyes of young Scout as she comes of age in the U.S. South. Readers follow her growing awareness of racism and broken systems as she ages and witnesses events in real time. Scout’s perspective serves as a steady through line throughout the novel.
2. 2. Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (2020): Documentaries can also have through lines. In this documentary, filmmakers chronicle the lives of teenagers from when they met at Camp Jened, a summer camp for people with disabilities, in 1971 before growing into activists fighting for legislation that prioritizes greater accessibility.
3. 3. Girls: Through lines can offer a clear point of view without being plot-driven. In the New York City–based HBO comedy series Girls, four young women aimlessly explore friendship, careers, and sexuality, offering a pointed look and a slice-of-life approach to the narrative. Character consistency and tonal clarity embed and unite the series.

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