understories

Understories is a term used in narrative theory to describe the narratives that lie beneath the surface of a primary storyline. An understory encompasses implicit histories, hidden motives, or alternate perspectives that influence how events are interpreted but are not the central plot. The concept is not universally standardized and may be applied differently across disciplines.

Understories differ from backstory and from overt subplots. Backstory refers to explicit histories of characters or settings, while subplots are secondary plot threads that are presented alongside the main arc. Understories, by contrast, operate through subtext, symbolism, or gaps in the narrative, and may be inferred rather than directly stated. They can also emerge from the interplay of different perspectives within a work.

Forms of understories include subplots that echo or shadow the main plot, flashbacks or fragments that reveal relevant but not essential details, marginalia such as diaries or documents embedded within a narrative, and parallel or counter-narratives that offer alternative readings of events. They are often conveyed through implicit cues—tone, imagery, or character action—that encourage readers to read beyond the surface events.

The presence of an understory can deepen character development, foreshadow future turns, enrich themes, and broaden world-building. Critics sometimes treat understories as a measure of narrative complexity, while others caution that they should be used judiciously to avoid opacity or ambiguity that alienates readers.

See also: backstory, subtext, subplot, world-building.