How does theme develop in a story?

Well, authors develop a theme by first having a clear understanding of what they want to convey. They might draw inspiration from real-life experiences or other works. Then, they use various literary devices like symbolism, repetition, and contrast to make the theme more prominent and engaging for the readers.

The theme of fear starts with the strange behavior of the birds. At first, it's just a bit odd, but as they start to gather and attack, the fear grows rapidly. The characters see the birds pecking at their windows and trying to get in, which is very frightening.

The author might develop the theme through the use of dialogue. By having the wife and her husband talk, we can learn about their relationship and the underlying themes.

The theme of the greatest gift develops as Ralphie's desires unfold. His obsession with the BB gun is the starting point. As the story progresses, we see that the family's support and the overall Christmas atmosphere are also part of the gift. For instance, his mother's cooking and his father's attempts to fix the furnace are all part of the greater gift of a family Christmas.

In 'betrayer novel', the theme of betrayal often starts with a small act. For example, in a story where a friend betrays another's secret. This initial act then snowballs. It might lead to the breakdown of relationships, loss of trust, and can even cause the characters to question their own identities. The development is like a ripple effect that spreads throughout the story, affecting all aspects of the characters' lives.

In many novels, the 'fallen in love' theme often starts with an initial attraction. For example, in 'Outlander', Claire is immediately drawn to Jamie. Then, as the story progresses, they face challenges together which either strengthen or test their love. This is a common pattern. They learn more about each other's personalities, values, and flaws, which makes their love more real.

In a betrayal novel, the theme often starts with a relationship. For example, in 'The Age of Innocence', Newland Archer's relationship with Ellen Olenska. At first, there are small signs of potential betrayal like the difference in their social outlooks. As the story progresses, the actions that seem to go against the norms of their society are seen as betrayal. The consequences of these actions then further develop the theme.

In the beginning of the story, the 'mary's monster' theme could be introduced subtly, perhaps through Mary's uneasiness or strange dreams. As the plot moves forward, events start to revolve more around this theme. Maybe Mary discovers more about the origin or nature of her 'monster'. This could lead to a climax where she has to make a crucial decision regarding the 'monster'. After that, in the resolution, the theme may be resolved in some way, like Mary accepting or defeating the 'monster'.

You can start by thinking about what emotions or messages you want to convey. Then, look for unique experiences or ideas that relate to those emotions or messages. That could be the basis of your theme.

First, think about what message or idea you want to convey. It could be based on your own experiences, observations, or something you feel passionate about. Then, build characters and plotlines that support and explore that theme.