der Handlungsfaden
Translation
plot thread, storyline
Examples
Der Roman hat mehrere Handlungsfäden.
The novel has several plot threads.
Ich habe den Handlungsfaden verloren.
I've lost the thread of the story.
Grammar Patterns
to follow a ((plot thread)) The detective is following a new plot thread.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Handlungsstrang, Erzählstrang
Etymology
From 'Handlung' (action, plot) + 'Faden' (thread). Literally 'action thread'.
Memory Tips
Picture the plot of a story as a literal 'thread' you are following. A complex story has many threads ('Fäden').