B-story
Minor narrative thread
A B-story is a secondary plotline in a film, television episode, or other narrative, running alongside the main story.
While the A-story carries the primary dramatic weight, the B-story provides contrast, develops supporting characters, or explores themes that complement or illuminate the central conflict: The B-story about her sister's divorce mirrored the main character's struggles.
Subordinate narrative strand
- parallel plotConcurrent secondary narrative
- character arcProtagonist's gradual transformation
- narrative threadContinuous plot element
- interweaveCross threads alternately
backstory · foreshadowing · twist · turning point · climax · resolution · denouement · flashback
Implicit meaning beneath words
- themesMain ideas throughout
- nuanceSlight shade of difference
- layersStacked levels or coatings
- resonanceAmplified oscillation at natural frequency
complexity · richness · world-building · texture · dimension · subplots
Subordinate adventure partner
- ensembleUnified group or outfit
- minor roleSmall part in production
- ancillaryProviding additional support
- peripheralExternal computer add-on
complementary · subordinate · co-star · romantic interest · comic relief · undercard · foil character · deuteragonist
Simultaneous independent melodies
- juxtapositionAdjacent contrasting placement
- foilDefeat a plan
- inversionReversal of position
- oppositionActive resistance or dissent
variation · parallel · reflection · echo · subversion · irony · balance
subplot
Subordinate narrative strand
- parallel plotConcurrent secondary narrative
- character arcProtagonist's gradual transformation
- narrative threadContinuous plot element
interweave · backstory · foreshadowing · twist · turning point · climax · resolution · denouement · flashback · red herring
subtext
Implicit meaning beneath words
resonance · complexity · richness · world-building · texture · dimension · subplots
sidekick
Subordinate adventure partner
- ensembleUnified group or outfit
- minor roleSmall part in production
- ancillaryProviding additional support
peripheral · complementary · subordinate · co-star · romantic interest · comic relief · undercard · foil character · deuteragonist · bit player
counterpoint
Simultaneous independent melodies
- juxtapositionAdjacent contrasting placement
- foilDefeat a plan
- inversionReversal of position
opposition · variation · parallel · reflection · echo · subversion · irony · balance
B-storyA-story
Primary plot of episode
main plot · main thread · through-line · spine · lead story
story, stories, storied, history, historical, historian, historic, prehistory, prehistoric