The phrase "a central narrative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main story or theme that is pivotal to a discussion, analysis, or piece of writing.
Example: "In her novel, the author weaves a central narrative that explores the complexities of human relationships."
Alternatives: "a key storyline" or "a main theme".
A central narrative will bring all the strands together.
It is compelling without having a central narrative drive.
Because "White Road" rejects a central narrative, the photographs are uncaptioned and out of focus.
It's not a coherent, well-knit piece of writing organised around a central narrative or argument.
I think we need a central narrative of what's going on in politics, the economy, and culture.
A central narrative of many religions is the seeker — Moses, Jesus, Buddha — who goes off by himself and brings profound insights back to the community.
Instead of a strong central narrative, the books provided a scaffolding out of which the imagination could construct its own — offering such wildly divergent fates as falling victim to a giant squid or winning the galactic Olympics.
A blizzard of people, places, organizations and anecdotes can be disorienting, and instead of a discrete central narrative that might keep wandering minds on course, the book contains multiple narratives and delicately interlaced themes.
Maintaining a single central narrative across 24 hours required the invention of subplots that became famous for their implausibility — Jack's daughter, Kim Bauer, versus the cougar in Season 2 has been matched by Dana Walsh Ms. Sackhofff) versus her old boyfriend from her criminal past in the current season.
How do we evaluate a movie whose central narrative is activated by a reality the film ignores?
The text is exuberant in style, and in form, a labyrinth; its central narrative is frequently interrupted by Jātakas (explanations of present events by incidents in the Buddha's previous lives), Avadānas (similar tales from the previous lives of others), and doctrinal discourses.
