through-line

British  

noun

1. a theme or idea that runs from the beginning to the end of a book, film, etc

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Example Sentences

“World War IV,” published in 2007, was a propulsive argument about the nature of post-9/11 geopolitics that sorted through a crowd of headlines stretching back decades to highlight an important through-line of militant hostility to the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

Divided into three sections hinged together by a through-line of humanism, Elizabeth Alexander reminds the reader that Jordan “was a prolific poet whose lyrical voice linked political struggle with an ethic of love.”

From Salon

How do you see grief as a through-line in all your films?

From Los Angeles Times

Gad is keenly aware of the notion of power as historic through-line as he approaches his titular number, “Herod’s Song,” in which the King of Judea coyly mocks Jesus before taking a frightening turn into true menace.

From Los Angeles Times

Joel’s journey from the hardened warrior who agreed to transport Ellie across country in exchange for a car battery to a man who will do anything to protect the surrogate daughter he has come to love has been the emotional through-line of the story.

From Los Angeles Times