---
title: Plot Lines
category: Plot Lines
tags: plot lines, mysteries, promises, arcs, continuity
contextKey: plotLines.index
micro: Review the larger story questions, promises and arcs you are tracking.
quickTitle: What are Plot Lines?
quickSummary: Plot Lines are larger story questions, promises, mysteries, arcs or unresolved concerns that may run across chapters, books or a series.
screenshot:
---

# Overview

Plot Lines are the larger story questions, promises, mysteries, arcs or unresolved concerns you want to track. They can cover a main mystery, a relationship arc, a character's emotional journey, a trail of foreshadowing or a question that spans multiple books.

Use the Plot Lines list to review the big strands your story has opened. It helps you see what is visible on the timeline, what belongs to one book or the whole project, and which lines may need threads, scenes, clues, reveals or payoffs.

# Plot Lines And Plot Threads

A Plot Line is the broad lane. A Plot Thread is a smaller connected strand inside or around that lane. For example, the Plot Line might be "Who killed Annie?" while threads might track the memory tin, the wedding photo, the false suicide theory or a suspect's interference.

# Writer Tip

If readers are waiting for an answer, payoff or emotional turn, it probably deserves a Plot Line or a Plot Thread. Tracking it here helps prevent dropped promises during drafting and revision.

# Related Guides

- [Edit Plot Line](/Help/Article/plotLines.edit)
- [Plot Threads](/Help/Article/plotThreads.index)
- [Scenes](/Help/Article/scenes.overview)
