---
title: Plot Thread Lanes
category: Timeline
tags: timeline, plot threads, events, reveals, continuity
contextKey: timeline.plotThreadLanes
micro: Follow plot thread events across scenes.
quickTitle: Plot thread lanes
quickSummary: Plot thread lanes show where story questions begin, develop, twist, branch, merge, resolve or are intentionally abandoned.
screenshot:
---

# Overview

Plot thread lanes turn scattered story promises into a visible path. A lane helps you see whether a mystery, relationship question, political scheme, secret, clue chain or emotional promise is being carried through the scenes.

Each marker is a thread event attached to a scene. The marker is not just a button; it records what the scene does for the reader's expectation.

# Thread Events

Start begins a thread. Use it when the reader first receives a question or promise, such as "Who sent the letter?"

Progress develops the thread without solving it. A suspect lies, a clue deepens the question, or a relationship takes a meaningful step.

Reveal gives the reader or a character new truth. For example, the locked room was opened from inside.

Twist changes the reader's interpretation. The friendly witness is connected to the victim.

Branch creates a new related thread from an existing one. A missing key leads to a second question about who had access.

Split divides one thread into multiple concerns. A conspiracy thread might split into motive, method and cover-up.

Merge brings related threads together. Two apparently separate clues point to the same culprit.

Resolve pays off the thread. The question is answered or the emotional promise is fulfilled.

Abandon marks an intentional drop. Use it when a character gives up, a false trail is deliberately left unresolved, or the story chooses not to answer because that is the point.

# Common Uses

Track a mystery from clue to reveal.

Track a romance from attraction to rupture to reconciliation.

Track a character arc promise from wound to choice to change.

Track a series question that should not vanish between books.

# Related Guides

- [Thread Health](/Help/Article/timeline.threadHealth)
- [Plot Threads](/Help/Article/sceneInspector.threads)
- [Plot Lines](/Help/Article/timeline.plotLines)
