Part 6/13:
Understanding and Defining Theme: The Core Message
Shapiro discusses the concept of theme as the universal truth or lesson embedded in the story. He explains how character arcs often embody the theme—such as self-determination, identity, or the fleeting nature of success.
For his Roman story, he considers themes like:
The pursuit of power versus the cost of ambition
The capriciousness of fate and external validation
The importance of authentic human connections
By examining what the main character learns—overcoming loneliness, valuing oneself—the story’s thematic core becomes clearer. He notes that stories like The Witcher reflect nihilism through their setting, creating a layered narrative where setting and theme interweave.