Creating a Theme or Plot Concept for Your Fictional Story
As previously discussed, a theme is a central idea or message that a story conveys. It is what the author is trying to say about the human experience. A plot concept is the overall structure of a story. It is the series of events that happen in the story, and how they are connected. When defining a theme or plot concept for a fictional story, it is important to consider the following:
- What do you want to say with your story? What message do you want to convey to your readers?
- What kind of story do you want to tell? What genre are you writing in? Is it drama? Or, perhaps comedy? It could be something like historical fiction or suspense. Then think about what kind of tone you want to set.
- What are the characters like? What are their goals? What obstacles are they facing?
- What are the setting and conflict? Where and when does the story take place? What is the main conflict that the characters are facing?
Once you have a clear idea of these elements, you can start to develop a theme or plot concept for your story.
Creating a Theme or Plot Concept for Your Fictional Story
Themes can be universal or specific. Universal themes are those that are relevant to all people, regardless of their culture or background. For example, themes of love, loss, hope, and redemption are common in many different stories. Specific themes are those that are relevant to a particular group of people or to a specific time period. For example, a story about the American Civil War might have a theme of racism, freedom, a famous character, or even a little-known historical figure.
Plot concepts can be simple or complex. Simple plot concepts often follow a predictable pattern, such as a character overcoming an obstacle to achieve a goal. Complex plot concepts may have multiple subplots or unexpected twists and turns.
No matter what type of theme or plot concept you choose, it is important to make sure that it is relevant to the story you are telling. The theme or plot concept should also be something that the reader can relate to, either personally or on a larger scale.
A strong theme or plot concept can make your story more meaningful and memorable. It can also help to keep your readers engaged and interested in what happens next. Here are some readily-recognizable examples of themes and plot concepts from famous fictional stories:
- Theme: The power of love.
- Plot concept: A young woman falls in love with a vampire.
- Story: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
- Theme: The importance of friendship.
- Plot concept: A group of friends go on a quest to find a magical object.
- Story: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
- Theme: The dangers of prejudice.
- Plot concept: A black man is falsely accused of a crime and must fight to clear his name.
- Story: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Theme: The importance of standing up for what you believe in.
- Plot concept: A group of students protest against the Vietnam War.
- Story: The Crucible by Arthur Miller
These are just a few examples of themes and plot concepts that have been used in famous fictional stories. There are many other possibilities, and the best way to find the right theme or plot concept for your story is to experiment and see what works for you.
Defining a theme or plot concept is a crucial step in developing a fictional story. These components provide the overarching framework that shapes the narrative, characters, and events. Let’s explore how to define a theme or plot concept and understand why they are critical to the narrative.
Defining a Theme
As mentioned, the theme serves as the underlying message, idea, or central concept that the story explores. It is the broader, abstract concept that gives depth and meaning to the narrative. To define a theme:
- Reflect on personal interest: Consider topics, issues, or questions that resonate with you personally. Themes can range from love, identity, power, loss, redemption, or vengeance. Choose a theme that sparks your curiosity and passion.
- Identify universal relevance: Themes should have universal relevance, appealing to a wide range of readers. They should touch on fundamental aspects of the human experience and provoke thought, reflection, or emotional response.
- Explore multiple perspectives: Themes can be examined from various angles and viewpoints. Consider different perspectives, conflicting viewpoints, or moral dilemmas that can be explored within your chosen theme.
How to Develop a Plot Concept
A plot concept refers to the central idea or premise that drives the story forward. It is the foundation upon which the narrative is built. To develop a plot concept:
- Define the core conflict: Identify the primary conflict or problem that the protagonist must face. This conflict can be internal (man vs. self) or external (man vs. man, society, nature, or the supernatural). The plot concept revolves around the protagonist’s journey to resolve or overcome this conflict.
- Establish goals and stakes: Determine the goals, desires, or objectives of the protagonist and the significance of achieving or failing to achieve these goals. Consider the stakes involved and the potential consequences for the characters involved.
- Construct a narrative arc: Plot concepts should have a clear narrative arc, with a beginning, middle, and end. Outline the key events, turning points, and climax of the story. Ensure that the plot concept offers enough intrigue, tension, and momentum to engage readers throughout the narrative.
Why the Theme and Plot Concept are Critical to the Narrative
The theme and plot concept are critical to the narrative because they provide the foundation for the story. The theme is the central idea or underlying message of the story, while the plot concept is the overall storyline. Together, they give the story its shape and meaning.
The theme is what the author is trying to say about the world or about human nature. It can be a universal theme, such as love, loss, or redemption, or it can be more specific, addressing a particular issue or problem. The theme is what gives the story its depth and resonance. It’s what makes the reader think and feel something.
The plot concept is the sequence of events that make up the story. It should be interesting and engaging, and it should support the theme of the story. The plot concept should also be believable and well-paced. It should keep the reader guessing and wanting to know what happens next.
The theme and plot concept are interconnected. The theme should be reflected in the plot concept, and the plot concept should help to develop the theme. For example, if the theme of the story is about the importance of family, the plot concept might involve a character who is forced to make a difficult choice between their family and their career.
The theme and plot concept are essential elements of any narrative. They provide the foundation for the story and give it its meaning. Without a strong theme and plot concept, the story will be superficial and unsatisfying. Here are a few specific reasons as to the importance of these elements:
- Meaning and depth: Themes provide a deeper layer of meaning to the story. They explore universal truths, moral dilemmas, or philosophical questions, allowing readers to connect with the narrative on a profound level. A well-defined theme adds substance, resonance, and emotional impact to the story.
- Coherence and focus: A well-developed plot concept provides coherence and focus to the narrative. It serves as a guiding force that aligns the characters, conflicts, and events within a cohesive framework. It ensures that the story remains purposeful and avoids meandering or losing its narrative direction.
- Reader engagement: Themes and plot concepts create intrigue, captivate readers’ attention, and provide a compelling reason to invest in the story. They generate curiosity, anticipation, and emotional involvement, keeping readers hooked and eager to discover how the narrative unfolds.
- Character development: Themes and plot concepts influence character development. They shape the choices, actions, and growth of the protagonist and other characters. Themes provide an opportunity for introspection, transformation, and exploration of human nature, leading to more nuanced and relatable characters.
- Unity and coherence: Themes and plot concepts help unify the various elements of the story, such as setting, conflicts, dialogue, and symbolism. They ensure that every aspect of the narrative serves a purpose and contributes to the overall cohesion and resonance of the story.
In summary, defining a theme or plot concept is critical to the narrative because they provide meaning, coherence, and focus to the story. They engage readers, guide character development, and infuse the narrative with depth and resonance. By understanding these components, writers can create compelling and impactful fictional stories.
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Owen is the creator and author of more than sixty original short stories and counting, including drama, crime, suspense, action and adventure, family, historic fiction, sci-fi, and slices of life. He is also a musician who has written extensively about theory.
