A-Story/B-Story

From Wally:

We have all heard the term A-story and B-story… But what do they mean? What’s their function? The A-story is what the film is about (or in a series, what the episode is about), AKA the primary story. The B-story (or subplot) is a secondary story that unfolds as the A-story progresses.

The B-story is usually used to develop the main character (and/or add comic relief). In feature-length screenplays, the B-story is usually the love interest, or how the main character’s situation is affecting their personal life. For example, in THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN, the A-story is Andy’s quest to get laid and all the shenanigans that ensue. The B-story is meeting Trish, the woman he’s going to marry and allow him to accomplish his goal of getting laid.

One of the easiest ways to study A-story/B-story, I believe, is the Andy Griffith hour-long series Matlock (if you are unfamiliar with Matlock, insert your favorite procedural drama and the same idea applies). In each episode, the A-story and B-story are easily identifiable. The A-story is the murder mystery. An innocent client is accused of murder. Ben investigates. Discovers new evidence. Climaxes with a dramatic court scene where he proves his client innocent.

The B-story revolves around Ben’s associates, his investigator, his personal life, or his friends. These subplots are usually comical in nature, to break up the murder story and trial tension with comic relief. Many times the B-story provides a clue that helps Ben prove his client innocent.

I highly recommend you watch a couple of Matlock episodes (or procedurals like Law and Order) to better understand A-story/B-story, and how to use them to make your script sing.