Week 15 Storylab: Writer's Write

GIF from Whisper of the Heart, 1995
The Theme
What is a theme?
1. The central idea of a story.
2. A full statement of the story.
3. Summarizes the human condition within the story.

Why is a theme necessary?
1. Can be used to check if every scene fits the story.
2. Keeps the plot in check.
3. Drives the story forward.

3 Steps To Help You Find Your Story’s Theme
What is the story about?
What is the meaning behind the story?
What is the lesson?

These allow the writer to plot their story, write the actions and reactions within the story, and to make a statement on the human condition within the story.

Bonus: The Lajos Egri Theme Cheat Sheet
Lajos Egri was the author of The Art of Dramatic Writing and The Art of Creative Writing, which has been referenced for playwriting, short stories, novels, and screenplays. Egri uses a formula to find the theme in his writing: (blank) leads to (blank). For example, a woman making a new life with her partner in a foreign country leads to her realizing that home is where the heart is.

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