In Screenwriting, the Subjective Storyline is the emotional perspective of how the story is presented. This is the path that enables the audience to connect with the characters on an empathetic level. Though the Subjective Storyline tends to run parallel with the Objective Storyline, it is the former which gives the story a humanistic flavor. Also, it is the Subjective Storyline that points out what the protagonist "needs" as opposed to what the protagonist "wants", as is the case within the Objective Storyline.

Format

To create a successful Subjective Storyline, one has to give the protagonist a flaw with which he or she has to overcome in order to be able to reach an established desire.

Usage

It is important to note that without the Subjective Storyline, the story is uninteresting, dry and forgettable.

Examples

ET

The Subjective Storyline is for Elliot to conquer his own inadequacies and feelings of alienation so that he is able to save E.T., thus saving himself.

Star Wars

The Subjective Storyline is for Luke find out who he really is and to eventually become a Jedi knight as was his father.

Lethal Weapon

The Subjective Storyline is Riggs being able find closure over the death of his wife.

Titanic

The Subjective Storyline is Rose's desire to free herself from the obligations of "high society" and an arranged marriage.

Die Hard

The Subjective Storyline is for McClane to reconcile with his wife who was taken hostage by terrorists.

Rocky

The Subjective Storyline is for Rocky to overcome his self-image of being a loser so that he may "go the distance" with the heavyweight champion of the world.