A-story

Definition

The a-story is the main narrative thread of a television pilot, often focusing on the central conflict or primary character arc that drives the plot. It serves as the backbone of the episode, providing emotional weight and thematic depth, while other storylines, like b-stories and c-stories, support and enhance the main narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The a-story is crucial for establishing the main conflict that engages viewers and propels the narrative forward.
2. In most episodes, the a-story typically involves the protagonist's journey or challenge that needs to be resolved by the end.
3. Balancing multiple storylines is essential; the a-story should remain clear and prominent while allowing supporting stories to enrich the overall narrative.
4. While the a-story takes center stage, it’s important for writers to ensure that b-stories and other subplots do not overshadow it.
5. The resolution of the a-story usually brings emotional closure for both the characters and the audience, creating a satisfying experience.

Review Questions

• How does the a-story influence the development of supporting storylines in a television pilot?
  • The a-story sets the tone and direction for supporting storylines, ensuring they complement rather than compete with the main narrative. Supporting stories, like b-stories, can add depth to characters or provide contrasting situations that highlight themes present in the a-story. The interplay between these narratives helps to create a richer viewing experience by providing context and emotional resonance to the central conflict.
• Analyze how a strong a-story can enhance viewer engagement in a television pilot.
  • A compelling a-story captures viewer interest by establishing clear stakes and relatable characters. When viewers connect with the protagonist's journey or challenges, they become invested in the outcome. A well-crafted a-story also allows for emotional investment; as viewers see characters face obstacles, it creates tension and anticipation, driving them to continue watching. This engagement is key to building an audience for ongoing series.
• Evaluate how multiple storylines can be effectively balanced in relation to an a-story without diluting its impact.
  • Balancing multiple storylines alongside an a-story requires careful planning to ensure that each subplot serves a purpose without overshadowing the main narrative. Writers can achieve this by integrating themes from supporting stories that resonate with those of the a-story, thereby creating cohesion. Additionally, ensuring that subplots are resolved without detracting from the climax of the a-story helps maintain focus on its primary conflict, enhancing its emotional impact while enriching character development throughout the episode.

Related terms

b-story: A secondary storyline that runs parallel to the a-story, often providing additional context, character development, or comic relief.

theme: The underlying message or central idea explored in a story, often tied to the a-story and influencing character decisions and plot progression.

character arc: The transformation or growth of a character throughout the narrative, often closely aligned with the a-story's conflict and resolution.