What are A, B and C Plots in TV Screenwriting?

When we watch a film or TV series, we’re often aware there are multiple storylines running concurrently but take them in as second nature. This is the benefit of TV storytelling after all; the ability to cover many different plots within one cohesive story or world. In the screenwriting process, these overlapping narrative threads are typically referred to as A, B and C plots.  

A, B and C plots descend the alphabet by order of importance. So your A story is the most important but B and then C play crucial parts too. TV writers use ABC stories because it’s difficult to sustain a single narrative for 40 minutes plus, in terms of both writing enough material and keeping bums in seats. So how do you use A, B and C plots in TV screenwriting? We break down the core elements of what you need to know.

What’s the A Story?

So firstly, the A story is the real focus of your episode. It surrounds the central concept of your show.

• The A story essentially reinforces the promise of the premise.
• In a murder mystery, for example, the A story asks, “who did it?”.

This is where the main protagonist seeks their main goal. And it requires the most story beats to achieve a compelling character’s journey. As such, the A story will have the most screen time.

The A plot is the main thread of your episode. So you’ll usually open with it and then cut to the B and C plots later. The A story is the anchor you always return to as it’s carrying you through the episode.

In a detective show like Law and Order, for example, the A story follows the case of the week. It’s the main driver of the narrative, even if the supporting arcs make the story more interesting as a whole.