What Is a Theme in a Story? A Student-Friendly Guide
- spencer655
- May 19
- 3 min read
Understanding theme can take your reading—and your writing—to the next level. In this guide, you’ll learn what theme means, how it’s different from plot or topic, and how to find it in any story you read.
What Is Theme in Literature?
In literature, theme is the central idea, message, or insight that the author wants to share. It’s not just what happens in the story (that’s the plot), but what the story is really about underneath the surface.
Think of it this way:
Theme = Topic + What the author believes about it
Example:
Topic: Friendship
Theme: True friends help each other grow, even through difficult times.
Here’s another theme you might recognize:
“Friendship can help people overcome even the toughest challenges.”
This isn’t a summary or a specific event—it’s a big idea that might show up across many different stories.
Theme vs. Topic vs. Moral: What’s the Difference?
These terms are often confused, so let’s break them down clearly:
Element | What It Is | Example |
Topic | The subject of the story (just a word or phrase) | Friendship |
Theme | The author’s message about the topic | True friendship survives even during hard times |
Moral | A lesson about right and wrong | Be loyal to your friends |
A topic is what the story is about.
A theme is what the story says about that topic.
A moral tells you what to do; a theme gives you something to think about.
How to Find the Theme of a Story
Here are four strategies to help you figure out a story’s theme:
Look for repeated ideas
If the story keeps circling back to a certain message—like honesty, kindness, or bravery—that’s a clue.
Pay attention to what characters learn
What lesson does the main character walk away with? That’s often tied to the theme.
Think about the conflict and resolution
How is the main problem solved? What does that solution say about the bigger message?
Ask yourself:
“What does the author want me to think about?”
Example:
After lying to his friend, Max realizes that honesty is more important than being popular.
Theme: Honesty is the best policy.
Examples of Common Themes in Literature
These are popular themes found in many classic and modern stories:
Good vs. evil
The importance of family
Perseverance pays off
Don’t judge a book by its cover
Love conquers all
Freedom and independence
The power of forgiveness
The same theme can be expressed in many different ways, with different plots, characters, and settings.
Can You Spot the Theme? Quick Practice
Try these short story examples. Can you find the theme?
A girl forgives her friend after a big argument, and they become closer than ever.
→ Possible theme: Forgiveness can strengthen relationships.
A boy stands up to a bully, even though he’s scared.
→ Possible theme: Courage means doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.
A lonely student starts a school club and learns how to connect with others.
→ Possible theme: Taking risks can lead to unexpected friendships.
Want more practice? Try writing your own two-sentence story and see if you can find the theme!
Why Understanding Theme Makes You a Better Reader
When you can identify the theme of a story, you’re not just reading—you’re thinking like a writer. Understanding theme helps you:
Read more deeply and thoughtfully
Connect stories to your own life
Write your own stories with clear meaning
Discuss books and movies in a meaningful way
Next time you finish a story, ask yourself:
“What was the big idea behind this?”
If you can answer that, you’ve found the theme.
