How to Develop a Theme in Writing

Theme is the cause for incidents the reader is reading about that occur; cause shows or relates to events affecting the antagonist.  Theme is why direction is taken to advance to exciting new surroundings, a situation or characters that can develop more action.  The leading characters goal is achieved through effects, overcoming obstacles in pursuit of a goal.  As each incident cause becomes known, it can give further direction for responses that advance the story.  The protagonist may inspire fear or losses through a length of forceful events, to influence the antagonist.  The antagonist may in part or completely halt afflictions to their main objective, due to the duration of events then the protagonist achieves the goal. 

H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds, theme is of compliance through fear of destruction, from a technologically advanced civilization.  This invasion of inhuman monstrous aliens, were physically grotesque and only able to processes thoughts destroying all but themselves.

Jules Verne’ Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, theme is man surviving the conflicts living an undersea life.  In the midst of undersea dangers, the leading character previously unknown, demonstrates his means of naval technological superiority and sinks a ship.

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, theme is guilt of a selfish man in the giving environment of Christmas.  Ghosts revealed to the lead character, the terrible aspects of his human nature upon his victims.  Change came to the leading character through his new connection to mortality.

Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, theme is vengeance of a man further incited by his enemies.  The lead character changes realizing his punishment of others through deception must end with forgiveness.