Through-Line
In short: The through-line is the continuous thread that holds a story together: the central concern that connects every scene to the whole, so nothing feels arbitrary.
How to keep the through-line
One guiding question: State in a single sentence what the story is really about. Every scene should feed into it.
Ask: does this belong?: If a scene adds nothing to the central concern, cut or shorten it.
Related terms: Plot · Leitmotif · Conflict
Frequently asked questions
What is a through-line in a story?
The continuous thread of meaning that connects all the parts and gives the story cohesion.
How do I find the through-line?
By naming, in one sentence, what the story is really about – and aligning everything with it.