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another way of looking at throughlines

February 8th, 2006 · No Comments

Flipping through Linda Aronson’s “Screenwriting Updated” this morning, I came across two terms - the action line and the relationship line. If you’re having trouble understanding Dramatica’s use of the terms Objective Story and Subjective Story, these two terms might be an easier way of thinking of them.

She lists some good points about the two throughlines:

  • Both are intertwined and inextricable
  • Climax happens at the same time for both
  • Action line pulls the relationship line along

The second one is the perfect antidote for most romantic comedies these days. They should end both throughlines in one magnificent moment of synthesis - instead of making us wait around for the relationship line to end.

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