What is the theme of a story?

The theme of a story is fundamentally about the author's message, which encapsulates the central idea or underlying meaning the narrative conveys. It addresses the broader implications of the story's events and characters, often exploring universal truths or life lessons that resonate beyond the specific context of the tale. By identifying the theme, readers can gain a deeper understanding of what the author intended to communicate regarding aspects like human experience, morality, or societal issues. While other elements like chronological events, setting, and character development contribute to the overall narrative, they do not define the theme itself. The theme transcends these aspects, providing insight into the significance of the story as a whole.