Where Theme Can Come From: The Hidden Roots of Storytelling Magic

In the alchemy of storytelling, theme often sits quietly at the heart of it all, weaving through plotlines and characters like an invisible thread. It’s the soul of a narrative, the unspoken “what it’s about” that audiences carry long after the credits roll. Yet theme can emerge from countless places—some obvious, others delightfully surprising. In this exploration, we’ll delve into where theme can come from and how it can transform a story from the mundane to the unforgettable.

Theme as the Spark: Building a World Around an Idea

The Matrix (1999)

Sometimes, theme is the first whisper of inspiration, a question or concept that demands exploration. This can be the driving force behind a narrative, where story and characters are sculpted around it.

Examples:

• “Inside Out” (2015): The theme of emotional balance and the value of sadness didn’t arise from the characters or plot—it was the core idea that shaped the story. From this theme, Pixar created a vibrant internal world, introducing us to personified emotions battling for dominance in a young girl’s mind.

• “The Matrix” (1999): The theme of questioning reality and the nature of free will came first, and from it, the Wachowskis built a dazzling cyberpunk world and an iconic protagonist, Neo.

This approach can make for highly resonant storytelling, but it also risks feeling heavy-handed if the story feels like a thinly veiled message rather than an organic experience.

The World as Mirror: Themes Shaped by Setting

Wall•E (2008)

A story’s world can be its most powerful thematic tool. By designing a setting that exaggerates or reflects aspects of human nature or society, writers can explore themes with razor-sharp clarity.

Examples:

• “The Hunger Games” (2012): The dystopian world of Panem, with its grotesque Capitol and brutal Games, critiques wealth inequality and the commodification of violence.

• “Wall-E” (2008): Earth as an uninhabitable wasteland forces viewers to confront themes of environmental degradation and consumerism.

When the world itself embodies the theme, it can leave audiences with an indelible sense of place and purpose.

The Situation: The “What Would You Do?” Theme

Sophie’s Choice (1982)

Sometimes, theme emerges from the narrative’s central situation—a moral dilemma or impossible choice that forces audiences to put themselves in the characters’ shoes.

Examples:

• “12 Angry Men” (1957): A jury deliberating a young man’s fate becomes a thematic exploration of justice, bias, and moral responsibility.

• “Sophie’s Choice” (1982): Sophie’s harrowing decision underpins a devastating theme about the nature of guilt and the scars of unimaginable loss.

This approach shines when it creates universal resonance, compelling viewers to interrogate their own values and choices.

The Protagonist’s Flaw: Mining Internal Struggles for Universal Truths

Whiplash (2014)

A protagonist’s inner demons can be a goldmine for thematic depth. Whatever they’re wrestling with—be it fear, guilt, ambition, or love—often holds a thematic question at its core: Is their belief about themselves or the world true?

Examples:

• “Whiplash” (2014): Andrew’s relentless pursuit of greatness at all costs raises a searing thematic question: Is excellence worth sacrificing everything else in life? His internal struggle drives the narrative and forces audiences to grapple with their own values.

• “Finding Nemo” (2003): Marlin’s overprotectiveness stems from his fear of loss. The theme of learning to let go and trust others grows naturally from his character arc.

By tying theme to a flaw, the story becomes deeply personal—and audiences love nothing more than to see themselves in a protagonist’s mirror.

Interpersonal Conflict: Whose Truth Prevails?

Marriage Story (2019)

Sometimes, theme emerges from the clash between characters’ beliefs. A story with rich interpersonal conflict often leaves audiences pondering who (if anyone) was “right.”

Examples:

• “The Dark Knight” (2008): The ideological battle between Batman and the Joker revolves around chaos versus control. Their dynamic isn’t just action-packed; it’s thematically charged, forcing viewers to wrestle with profound moral questions.

• “Marriage Story” (2019): The divorce proceedings between Nicole and Charlie reflect a central theme: the complexity of love and the impossibility of assigning blame. The story doesn’t side with either character, leaving the theme tantalisingly ambiguous.

This approach works wonders when done well, but it requires carefully balanced characters, each with compelling, believable arguments.

Backstory as Theme: The Past’s Influence on the Present

Good Will Hunting (1997)

A character’s backstory can hold the seeds of a story’s thematic core. Their experiences, traumas, or choices create fertile ground for exploring whether the past defines the present—and if it can ever be escaped.

Examples:

• “Good Will Hunting” (1997): Will’s reluctance to embrace his potential is rooted in his abusive upbringing, creating a theme of self-worth and the power of mentorship.

• “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004): Joel and Clementine’s choice to erase their shared memories prompts a haunting question: Do our pasts make us who we are?

This thematic source works beautifully when the past casts a long shadow over the story, subtly influencing every decision the character makes.

Unusual Perspectives: Questioning the Familiar

Get Out (2017)

By presenting a story through an unexpected lens, writers can unearth themes that challenge societal norms or force audiences to reconsider entrenched beliefs.

Examples:

• “Get Out” (2017): Jordan Peele’s horror-thriller tackles systemic racism by immersing viewers in the surreal terror of a Black protagonist trapped in a seemingly idyllic, liberal community. The unusual perspective amplifies the thematic tension.

• “The Elephant Man” (1980): By centring on a severely disfigured man’s humanity, the story explores themes of dignity, prejudice, and the superficiality of society.

This approach is particularly impactful when it sheds light on voices that are often marginalised or overlooked.

Conclusion: Themes are Everywhere

Theme isn’t a checklist item to tick off—it’s an organic presence that grows out of a story’s DNA. It can come from the smallest of sparks: a character’s flaw, a world’s design, a clash of ideologies, or even a fleeting question that haunts the writer. Great stories often intertwine multiple sources of theme, creating a layered narrative that resonates on multiple levels.

So, the next time you craft a story or sink into a new film, ask yourself: Where did the theme come from? You might just uncover a whole new dimension to the art of storytelling.