In Mary Mapes Dodge's story "The Coach," the development of a universal theme is primarily completed by showing how Rucky's behavior has changed in response to the events in the story.
Throughout the narrative, Rucky undergoes significant character development, reflecting themes of personal growth, resilience, and the importance of teamwork. Initially, he may not fully understand the value of collaboration and sportsmanship, but as the story progresses and he faces challenges, his attitude shifts. This change in behavior illustrates the broader theme of growth through adversity and the impact of support from others in a community, emphasizing that personal success often comes through the support and contributions of a team.
While Cora's perspective does evolve by the end, it's Rucky's transformation that encapsulates the core message of the narrative and demonstrates how characters can learn and grow from their experiences. Thus, the narrative communicates a universal theme effectively through Rucky's actions and changes rather than through explicit dialogue about the theme.