Television · 10 beats
Best for: hour-long network/cable drama and procedural TV. The multi-thread episode structure where an A-story (main plot), B-story (emotional thread), and C-story (comic/tertiary) interweave across the act breaks and converge at the climax.
Percentages show roughly where each beat lands in the finished story — the midpoint of a 110-page screenplay is page 55.
A short pre-credits scene that hooks the audience and (often) plants the seed of one of the three stories. Can be tonal, comedic, or a teaser of the A-story's central question.
Establish the main plot's central problem or goal for the episode. Introduce the protagonist's want and the obstacle. This is the spine.
Open the secondary thread. Often a relationship beat, an emotional thread, or a character-development storyline that thematically rhymes with the A-story.
The first major obstacle in the A-story. The protagonist's initial plan fails; the goal moves further out of reach. Often ends Act One.
Open the tertiary thread, typically lighter or comedic, often featuring B-characters. Serves as breathing room, runner, or thematic counterpoint.
The three threads brush against each other or share a scene. The episode's thematic argument starts becoming visible. The A-story's stakes escalate.
The bigger setback. The A-story protagonist is at their lowest or most committed. The plan changes; cost rises. End of Act Two in a typical hour.
The secondary thread reaches its peak. Often resolves slightly before the A-story so the A-story can use its outcome as fuel or counterpoint.
The main plot's central conflict is settled. The protagonist's choice and action play out. Themes from B and C echo here.
A short post-climax scene that lands a final joke, button, or thematic resonance. Sometimes a C-story payoff. Sometimes a seed for the next episode.
TV Episode (A/B/C Story Structure) is built into One More Draft — pick it in the story wizard and every beat above becomes a slot in your outline, with Quill, your story editor, coaching each one. Free to start.
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