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Story Ideas from Broad Themes
By Deb Gallardo
Some of the most effective fiction is that which has an identifiable underlying theme. Some authors do this unconsciously, instinctively. Others are deliberate about theme. You may have studied story themes in school, but unless you were interested in learning how to write, chances are you’ve forgotten more about theme than you recall. That’s all right. I’m not here to teach you all there is to know about theme, as it relates to story, but rather to show how you can use broad themes to not only underpin your writing but to inspire it.
I read today that the theme of Mary Shelly’s “Frankenstein” is the necessity of friendship. Mark Twain’s satire “Huckleberry Finn” is a novel whose theme is societal bigotry and injustice. Actually there are other themes in these two novels. These are the most obvious ones.
How can themes help us find story ideas?
Let’s say you want to write a story that has as its the theme “redemption.” A quick look at a good dictionary might give you some help in how to weave this theme through your story.
Definitions: Redeem
- To buy back, in order to regain ownership, at a pre-established price
- To pay off a debt
- To exchange a given item for another (as in coupons)
- To pay a ransom to rescue another
- To restore lost honor, through one’s actions
To carry this theme throughout a novel, I suggest utilizing more than one definition.
You might conceive of a character who is a “coupon queen,” whose whole life centers on obtaining and redeeming coupons. Perhaps her quest to save money on her purchases is a metaphor for taking a simple idea and maximizing its potential. After all, many people use the occasional coupon at the grocery store, but few manage to save significantly with their use and still fewer turn coupons into a source of income through teaching others how to do it.
Another character might be obsessed with paying off a long-standing debt owed by a family member, in order to restore family honor. Here we have two definitions in one scenario. Paying off a debt and restoring honor, the latter being the more powerful, as it is the motivation for the former.
A character might begrudgingly post bail for a wayward friend or relative who, yet again, has gotten his/her life derailed.
Another character might raise the money to pay a kidnapper’s ransom to rescue a child or other family member.
In a lengthier novel, especially one that is multi-generational, all of these examples might be used to underpin the story.
Another positive theme might be renewal.
Definitions: Renew
- Make new again, restore
- Continue, resubscribe, re-establish
- Repeat or reaffirm
- Replenish, re-invigorate, revive, refresh
- Start over, resurrect
- Resume
What might various characters do that shows each of these aspects of renewal?
If you were to begin your story in the depths of winter (or even fall), to show renewal you would logically end it in spring when, after the apparent deadness of winter, life that was buried under snow and earth manifests itself.
A character might die and be revived, giving him/her a new sense of purpose and re-invigorated life.
An old romantic relationship could be rekindled.
Out of the ashes of a life in shambles, a character might rise like the phoenix, transforming a once broken existence into a prosperous, healthy future through a life-altering event.
Yet another theme could be revelations.
Definitions: Reveal
- To show, demonstrate, allow to be seen
- To uncover, unveil, unwrap, unearth, unmask, lay bare, bring to light
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To divulge, expose, blab, let the cat out of the bag, spill the beans, tattle, snitch, leak, let slip
As you can see from the definitions, the distinctions are subtle. This is actually a boon to you as an author. You can utilize the theme on the negative side with, say, a corpse being discovered.
One character could be a “deep throat” who allows information to be seen, or who demonstrates another way something might have happened that points to the truth.
A cover-up could be exposed, a nefarious plot bought to light, family secrets finally admitted, the truth laid bare so that none can dispute it any longer.
One character’s indiscriminate blabbing could lead to disaster during a wartime situation, a delicate business negotiation or a surprise celebration in the works.
Here is a list of more possible broad themes for your next project. No, I didn’t harvest these from a book on clichés, although one of the reasons phrases become cliché is that they are an integral part of our culture.
- The enduring power of friendship
- People will always let you down, eventually – even friends.
- Love conquers all.
- Life’s a _____. Then you die. (Or not.)
- Time heals all wounds.
- You can love again.
- Adversity leads to triumph.
- Believe in yourself.
- Turn lemons into lemonade.
- You can’t trust anyone.
- Blood is thicker than water.
- Music is the universal language.
Now you should be able to think of more. As you watch movies or read novels, try to discern what the underneath story is. Start your own list and make a note of those themes that touch your heart. Chances are they’ll touch your readers’ hearts as well. Then start plotting!
Please comment below on more themes you may have thought of as you read this article. As always, I value your feedback.
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1 Comment »
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