Etymology

throughline

through·line
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Today it means: In full through line of action: a theme that runs through the plot of a book, film, or other narrative work, or a series of such related works. Full definition →

First used early 20th c.
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The story

From through (“passing from one side of something to the other”, adjective) + line. Compare Middle English thurghline (“a brail or buntline”).

First known use, by meaning

  • from early 20th c. In full through line of action: a theme that runs through the plot of a book, film, or other narrative work, or a series of such related works.
  • from mid 19th c. A railway route that passengers can take without needing to change trains.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.