Plot and theme are both essential elements of a literary work that interact with one another, allowing the author to convey a message in a creative and imaginative way.
Plot
The plot refers to the story’s central idea and what the readers or viewers can expect to happen. It consists of a series of events and actions that are connected to each other. The main components of a plot include exposition, foreshadowing, initial force, conflict, rising action, crisis, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Theme
The theme is the core or essence of the story. It is often revealed towards the end of the story during the resolution, but some literary works may introduce the theme at the beginning. The theme can be thought of as the message or lesson of the story, which is often expressed through the main character.
Key Takeaways
- The plot consists of a series of connected events and actions, while the theme is the central message or lesson of the story.
- A plot must include its nine integral components to create a well-written story, whereas a theme does not have specific parts as it represents the heart of the story.
- While the plot engages the reader’s physical senses with excitement and conflict, the theme exercises their mental and emotional capacities through the story’s morals and messages.
