How many writers out there have skipped over theme due to lack of understanding? Here is a basic level understanding to help you include theme within every story you write to help you write a story people will want to read.
Define Theme
The central idea of the story is conveyed through its theme. When we define theme, keep in mind that it differs from the story’s plot, which is the series of events under which the story unfolds. Theme is also different from the moral, which is the lesson the main character learns from the story. However, the plot illustrates the theme and the moral relates to the story theme element.
One or Multiple Themes
Typically, short stories have one theme and novels have multiple themes. The story theme element is woven all the way through the story, and the characters’ actions, interactions, and motivations all reflect the story’s theme. When you write a story, you should carefully consider what your element is.
Develop Your Theme
One method you can use when you write a story theme element from the beginning is to ask yourself what you are trying to convey through your characters, events, and lessons within your story.
If you have already written a story without considering the story theme element, review your pages and determine if there might be a common thread. If there is a marginal theme, adjust the rest of your story around the newfound theme. When you define theme at the onset, it could be the difference between your writing work submission ending up in the round file or on a literary agent’s desk.
- lesley jackson
