Screenwriting Course
Lessons

Theme is the most misunderstood, misused tool in the writer’s toolbox. In terms of your story, protagonist, goal, and obstacle, what is your story in the service of? What is the central, underlying idea that unites the plot and the character’s actions? Theme is the dominant idea underneath your story. It’s the something we can all relate to as humans. Examples of common themes:

• War is hell.
• All men should be brothers.
• Love conquers all.

Why you should know your theme: It informs every scene you are about to write, as well as how you should be approaching it.  It informs what makes your characters, and especially your protagonist tick. If you know what your theme is, it will serve as a compass which keeps your story consistent and pointed in the right direction.  Find your theme and it will point you to the true north in your story. It will even suggest scenes and sequences to write. No one sits down to write a theme. You write a story, and the theme will ultimately reveal itself to you. Theme is the something humans relate to.