What best defines a theme?

A theme in literature is a central message or insight that the author conveys throughout the story. It represents the deeper meaning or the underlying idea that the author wants the reader to consider and reflect upon. Themes can address universal concepts such as love, friendship, conflict, or moral dilemmas, and they often connect to the experiences of the characters and the situations they face. Understanding the theme helps readers gain a more profound understanding of the narrative and its implications beyond just the plot or characters.

While choices relating to a character's goal, the setting, or the sequence of events contribute important elements to a story, they do not encapsulate the overarching message the story conveys. The theme is about what the entire narrative reveals about life or human experience, making it distinct and central to the interpretation of the work as a whole.