When I began adapting my novel into a screenplay, I struggled with understanding the difference between the theme and plot. I eventually narrowed it down to 2 sentences that cleared it up for me.
Theme is the central message behind every story decision in the movie.
The plot is the thread that holds the story together and moves it along with a succession of events/crisis that exposes a character's insecurities and vulnerabilities, usually ending with their emotional development.
Does anyone have any other suggestions to clarify this topic?
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Theme: weather
Plot: an altruistic blue sky is doing everything within its power to tame down a wild tornado facing an upcoming local fair...
Hope that helps...
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You did a nice job summing up theme and plot, Lori Jones. The theme is the message of the story (example: Don't be selfish), and the plot is the sequence of events that happen in a story/the plot is what happens in the story.
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The harder thing for many beginning writers is the difference between story and plot. I might be splitting hairs, but the way I teach it, theme is the thesis of “what is the movie about”. There’s a statement that the protagonist believes or doesn’t believe. by the end of the film that statement is proven or disproven, and that is your theme.
Their journey of interacting with the theme is the story.
Plot is all the things that happen— clues in a mystery, finding the bad guys to beat up, etc. The ticking clock stuff.
So I see many writers who have plot without story or theme. This might be fun in the short term, but you’re left wondering “what’s the point?”
Once in a while I see indie films (Moonlight, for example) that have story without plot. Not my favorite type of movie, but I can respect it.
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Thank you Mike Boas for explain so well. I see I am on track with it! thankss
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I often find that my plots reveal my themes to me. I'll have a premise or gimmick to start the ball rolling, then I'll try and make sure my characters makes believable decisions based on his/her reaction to the premise and corresponding events. Often halfway through writing the draft, I'll notice that the character's decisions reveal themes that run naturally through the plot points. The premise and plot I expect, but the themes often surprise me.
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Plot sells tickets, theme sells repeat customers :)
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The theme of a story is its underlying message, or central idea that often explores universal concepts, values, or human experiences. It's the broader, abstract concept that the narrative conveys.
On the other hand, the plot refers to the sequence of events that make up the storyline. It involves the specific incidents and actions that unfold in a narrative, showcasing the characters' motivations, conflicts, and resolutions. In essence, the plot is the structured framework of the story.
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I'm guessing plot is what gets them in much like the logline and theme is what they leave with
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I think everyone has beaten theme to death. Plot and Story are symbiotic. You have a story and your plot is what you have to examine and tell the story. The story should have one overall controlling truth, this informs the theme as well.
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Your theme should be universal. But your plot should be exclusive to your story. or as much as possible at least.
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Like Chris said I have found my theme comes out after I've poured time over the plot and it has a flow then I'm like damn I have philosophical conflict here
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Hi Craig, let't try it out. Theme/truth: Growing up beautiful can be dangerous when you don't know who to trust. Plot/story: Three teenage models fly to Milan in the 1980's and meet sexual preditors disguised as charming playpoys, agents who consider them surplus product, and friendly peers who turn out to be jealous rivals. Yes! They are two sides of the same coin.
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Theme = Truth
Plot = Proof
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Hi Samar. I'm not familiar with Discord so I looked it up. It is an interesting concept that reminds me of the editing group I attended in person while writing my novels. Having real time feedback, such as this thread, is helpful and appreciated. However, like you, my series is now complete.
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CJ. Great summation. You nailed it in the least amount of words.