The central or unifying message of a story is referred to as the theme. The theme conveys the underlying ideas or messages that the author intends to communicate through the narrative. It often explores universal concepts, moral lessons, or philosophical questions that resonate with readers.
Here’s a brief overview of the other terms:
- Tone refers to the author's attitude toward the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice and style.
- Plot is the sequence of events that make up the story, including the conflict and resolution.
- Genre refers to the category or type of literature, such as fiction, non-fiction, mystery, romance, etc.
In summary, the theme is the message or insight that gives a story depth and meaning.