What is a theme anyway?
Time for terms
Theme-tacular
Term palooza
Characters gone wild!
100

the underlying message or big idea of a story

a) author

b) theme

c) message

d) development

b) theme

100

A struggle between opposing forces.

often between characters and it propels(moves) the plot and helps reveal theme.

a) conflict

b) theme

c) motif

d) drama

a) conflict


100

An idea that applies to anyone, anywhere, regardless of cultural differences is...

universal theme

100

How a theme becomes clearer through events, characters, and conflict is...

development

100

The internal or external drive that influences a character’s decisions or actions. 

The reason why the characters do something.

What is this term?

motivation

200

The theme is not just a summary of events or the plot. The theme is more...

general and broad

200

the outcome or solution of the central conflict; provides closure to the story.

a) motif

b) theme

c) universal theme

d) resolution

d) resolution

200

A theme clearly expressed by the narrator or characters in the text is...

stated theme

200

A conversation between two or more characters is...

dialogue

200

The central struggle/problem, often involving the protagonist and internal or external challenges.

conflict

300

Specific details or quotes from the text that support analysis.

a) textual evidence

b) theme

c) message

d) proof

a) textual evidence

300

the way an author reveals a character’s personality, thoughts, preferences, motivations, and development.

a) characterization

b) resolution

c) motif

d) conflict

a) characterization

300

A theme that is suggested through characters, actions, and events, rather than directly is...

implied theme

300

What a character does in the story is...

action

300

The connected series of events that make up the story; the sequence of events that make up the storyline

plot

400

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities that contribute to theme.

a) theme

b) context

c) symbolism

d) content

c) symbolism

400

The central character who often faces conflict or challenges.

a) theme

b) protagonist

c) antagonist

d) motif

b) protagonist

400

Stated or implied?

The reader has to think about what the theme is. No one clearly states the theme. It is more open to slight interpretation.

implied

400

How a character responds to events or to others. Reveals emotions, beliefs, and relationships.

What is this term?

reaction

400

A way to track how the story progresses

plot mountain

500

A recurring element (word, phrase, image, or idea) that helps develop the theme is...

motif

500

A character or force that works against the protagonist, creating conflict

a) theme

b) protagonist

c) antagonist

d) motif

c) antagonist

500

The author’s intended takeaway or lesson, often expressed through the theme is...

message

500

What a character thinks or feels privately. Provides insight into motivations, conflicts, and decision-making.

What is this term?

inner thoughts

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