Shot to the Heart: The Great Power Of Theme Revealed

Story Bible: What is a Story's Theme?

As writers, we've all heard the term "theme" and its importance to impactful storytelling. But what exactly does it mean? Is it just a fancy word for "moral of the story"? And how do you go about identifying and crafting a compelling theme in your own writing?

In this article, we'll dive into the world of story themes and explore what makes a theme so essential to a story's success.

WHAT IS A THEME?

Story Bible keeps it simple and leaves you space to write your own definition for your particular story.

A theme is the underlying message or idea that emerges from the narrative of your story. It's the thread that weaves its way through every facet of your story including the plot, characters, and setting. It gives your story depth and meaning and your story may have several key themes.

It is not just a moral or a lesson, but a nuanced exploration of the human experience.

In our most successful stories, it is like a whispered secret that only reveals itself as you immerse yourself in the story. It may not be explicitly stated (or told), but rather something that's felt and understood by the reader (or shown by the writer).

EXAMPLES IN LITERATURE AND FILM

Love vs. Duty: In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the theme is not just about the epic romance of the star-crossed lovers, but about the conflict between following one's heart and fulfilling one's obligations.
Hope: In Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King, the theme is not just about the characters' escape from prison, but about the power of hope and redemption in the face of adversity.
Love and Friendship: In JK Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the theme is not just about the wizarding world, but finding love and friendship amid the struggle to find one's place in the world.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A THEME

So, how do you identify it in your own story? Here are my top 3 tips:

Look for patterns: What recurring motifs or ideas do you see throughout your story? These might be clues to what it is.
Explore your characters' motivations: What drives your characters? What do they want, and what do they need? These desires and needs can reveal deeper themes.
Ask yourself questions: What message do you want to convey to your readers? What do you want them to take away from your story?

CRAFTING A COMPELLING THEME

Once you've identified it, how do you go about crafting a compelling narrative that brings it to life? Here are my few tips:

Show, don't tell: Don't hit your readers over the head with it. Don't make it obvious. Instead, let it emerge naturally from the story and let your reader/viewer work it out for themselves.
Use symbolism: Symbols, motifs, and imagery can help to reinforce your theme and add depth to your narrative.
Make it nuanced: Avoid simplistic or didactic themes. Instead, opt for a nuanced exploration of the human experience. Let the reader/viewer think and don't make it too easy for them.

CONCLUSION

A theme is the heart and soul of your story, giving it meaning and depth. By identifying and crafting a compelling one, you can create a narrative that resonates with readers and leaves a lasting impact.

So, what's the theme of YOUR story? Take some time to reflect on your narrative and see what underlying message emerges. You might be surprised at what you discover.

Story Bible can help.

Download our FREE Story Bible checklist to help you craft a compelling theme and develop a rich narrative world.

By using our Story Bible template, you'll be able to organize your ideas, develop your characters, and craft a narrative that will leave readers begging for more.