The Ultimate Guide to Theme in Screenwriting

Today, let’s explore one of the most overlooked, underestimated, and incredibly useful concepts in writing: The Importance of Theme in Screenwriting (and novel writing!). Whether you’re an aspiring screenwriter or an experienced novelist looking to add an extra punch to your stories, understanding the importance of Theme in storytelling is the key to crafting genuinely remarkable stories.

Writing a compelling story goes beyond just stringing together a series of events (that’s just a Slice of Life, not a story). It requires an intricate balance of characters, plot, dialogue, and craft — all put together with a secret sauce that adds depth and meaning to your screenplay, elevating it to new heights: Theme.

Theme is a crucial element that can make or break your script or novel. It adds depth, meaning, and resonance to your stories — especially in scripts. Proper use of themes in screenwriting often separates amateurs from paid, professional writers.

So, let’s start exploring why a strong Theme should be at the core of your storytelling process. Buckle up — ’cause we’re about to jump on a ride that will forever change the way you approach storytelling!

Let’s start by defining what “Theme” actually means when writing screenplays or novels. In simple terms, a Theme represents the underlying message or central idea that a story imparts to its audience. It’s the thread that weaves its way through the narrative, enhancing the story’s depth and resonance beyond the surface level.  

Whoa… what does all of that mean?!

Here at Writing Ninja, we try to make the complexities of storytelling and scriptwriting super accessible. So, instead of worrying about those technical educational definitions, let’s break it down and make Theme easy to use in your writing.

Theme is an underlying idea you want to share with your audience.

It’s kinda that simple…! “Theme” is just a big fat idea you want to share in your story. We call it your “Core Idea” or “Theme.”

Core Ideas/Themes are simple yet definitive statements that address a Universal Truth. It’s a “generic” or well-known or generally understood idea with which any audience member can connect or identify. It’s a Universal Truth that speaks to the human condition — individually or as a whole. It’s what gives your story meaning and emotional resonance. It’s what people identify with — what connects your story to their lives.

Also called a Social Commentary, or the Moral of a Story, your Core Idea or Theme is a statement generic enough to appeal to a broad audience but specific enough to take a stand. By embodying a central Theme throughout the script, you create a sense of purpose and direction in your storytelling, captivating audiences from start to finish.

Themes have the power to stir deep emotions and resonate with viewers on a profound level. By triggering emotional responses, themes elevate the story beyond mere entertainment, leaving a lasting impact and fostering meaningful connections with the audience. For example, some Themes in “Rocky” (written by Sylvester Stallone, 1976) are “Resilience in the face of adversity” and “The transformative power of Love and Determination.”

Theme Statements are also how you, as the writer, get to “Say Something!” or “Make a Point!” — all while entertaining us, your audience. It’s the underlying reason that this story needs to be told by you.

If the “Core Idea” of your screenplay — your Theme — is what a story is all about, how does that translate into screenwriting? Yeah… but exactly what IS “Theme in Screenwriting”??

First, let’s dispel a common misconception: Themes in scripts/films are more than just ONE word. For example, “Love” is not a Theme — it’s a just a single word, right? And it’s a word that can mean different things to different people. Simply saying that your theme is “Love” doesn’t convey the sentiment behind your choice to use that word. Just saying your script is about “Love” would be like someone walking into a room and randomly shouting, “LOVE!!!” — then turning around and leaving without another word.

Huh? What are they trying to say about Love? Is it positive or negative? Are they for or against Love? So, if you were writing a script about “Love,” your story could posit that Love is good… or impossible. That Love is a nuanced, many-splendored thing… or the bane of your Protagonist’s existence! Are you saying that Love is for everyone? No one? Only for those brave enough to go out and find it?!? Gah…! What ABOUT Love?!

And that’s what we’re talking about when we say “theme in screenwriting” — expanding a core word (or phrase) into a statement that takes a stand and expresses the sentiment behind your story.

This is why you need to expand a Core Word like “Love” into a Core Idea when script writing — you need to clarify your story’s stance on your Core Word.

How do you do that? Well, for our “Love” example, the Core Idea could be “Love can heal all wounds” or “Love is for suckers” or “Love is an illusion.” Your Core Idea/Theme can be absolutely anything you want to say about a Core Word like “Love.”

Core Ideas are Universal Truths, ideas that just about anyone in your audience could understand or identify with. They’re what you want to explore, expose, or put to the test in your story.

You can even take different “sides” by examining varying or conflicting stances on the same idea. For our Love example, that might be “Love means different things to different people” — then you can pick as many sides as you want to explore.

When your screenplay effectively explores Core Words and turns them into Core Ideas, it allows the audience to connect with your story. Then they can get a feel for what it’s REALLY about — especially if your Core Idea/Theme can be universally understood or emotionally felt.

See the “Similar Core Words, Very Different Themes” section below for a fun list of theme examples comparing Nora Ephron and Quentin Tarantino (Yep! They use similar Core Words!)

The importance of theme in script writing can not be underestimated. When you only have 80-120 pages, you have to be economical in your writing. Developing a Theme helps you get the best version of your story out, quickly. Finished screenplays that don’t have a Theme don’t have any… oomph. Instead of being engaging stories, these Themeless scripts/books read more like they’re a Slice of Life; they’re full of situations… actions… things happening, one after another — but for no real reason, with no unifying thread.

Themeless stories leave you saying, “Yeah, okay, that all happened… So…?” after you read ’em. They’re unsatisfying… they’re empty calories you regret after ingesting. Why? Because there wasn’t a “Core Idea” inside to give it depth — nothing to sink your teeth into. It was just a whole bunch of things happening — without a Universal Idea that could connect you, the reader, to the story.

So, how exactly do screenplay Themes connect readers to the story? There are a bunch of ways, but generally Themes will #1: Make you a Better Writer and #2: Help you connect with Readers. Let’s take a look at how:

#1: How Theme… Makes You a Better Writer

Theme Infuses Writing with Depth & Subtext

In the hands of a skilled screenwriter, Themes can add layers of depth and subtext to any story. They enable you to tackle complex ideas, social issues, or philosophical concepts, encouraging critical thinking and promoting valuable discussions. Screenplay Themes provide an opportunity to explore the human condition and challenge societal norms, making your story more captivating and thought-provoking. When you assign one of the 3 Ms (Message, Moral, or Meaning) to your story before you write, you are likely to inherently, automatically, and unconsciously write toward that Theme. So, just picking a Theme — any theme, even if it’s not “right” yet — can make you a better writer! 😀

Theme Guides Your Story Journey

In the vast ocean of creativity, a strong Theme leads the way to great stories. It provides a thread that ties together the various story elements, ensuring your plot is focused and engaging. Without a Theme, your story may wander aimlessly, leaving both you and your audience feeling lost and disconnected.

Think of your Theme as the compass that directs your characters’ journeys and the plot’s trajectory. It helps you make informed decisions about which scenes to include, which characters to develop, and which conflicts to explore. By consciously incorporating your Theme in your story, you can weave a cohesive and impactful narrative without getting caught in the web of unnecessary subplots or convoluted storylines. It helps you hone your story, making every scene or chapter count.

Theme Builds Your Brand or Calling Card

In both screenwriting and novel writing, setting yourself apart is essential. A strong Theme can be the cornerstone of your unique brand as a screenwriter or novelist. By consistently incorporating Themes that resonate with your personal beliefs or passions, you carve out a distinct voice in the industry.

#2: How Theme… Connects with Readers

Theme Captivates the Mind and Soul

At its core, a screenplay is meant to captivate audiences and evoke emotions that resonate within them. A well-developed Theme does this because it provides a universal connection by exploring profound and relatable human experiences. Whether your story deals with anything from Love and Loss to Redemption and the Pursuit of Dreams, a resonant Theme becomes the lifeblood of your story, weaving through every scene and engaging the hearts and minds of your viewers.

Consider a film like “The Shawshank Redemption.” It seamlessly incorporates Core Words like Hope, Friendship, and the Triumph of the Human Spirit, leaving a lasting impact and resonating with audiences worldwide. Themes speak to our shared humanity; when we as writers successfully tap into a Universal Theme, we create stories that leave a lasting impression.

Theme Creates Impactful Messages

As writers, we have the power to influence and inspire through our stories. Themes communicate underlying messages and profound insights into how we see Life. They allow us to explore societal issues, challenge norms, and encourage introspection.

Scripts for movies like “Inception” or “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” are entertaining, sure. But they’re also thought-provoking masterpieces. They tackle intricate Core Words such as Identity, Memory, and the Nature of Reality. Exploring these complex ideas leaves unforgettable impressions on viewers, sparking discussions and expanding our worldviews.

So, by carefully selecting and developing a Theme, you can infuse your screenplay with your very own unique perspective. Whether it’s shedding light on an overlooked social issue or celebrating the triumph of the human spirit, a well-developed Theme can make a lasting impact on your audience.

Theme Enhances Character Development

Theme and character development go hand in hand, enriching each other in a symbiotic dance. A well-crafted Theme allows you to really dig into your characters’ motivations, fears, and desires. It allows you to explore the human condition, which leads to complex, multi-dimensional characters.

Themes provide a lens through which your characters view their world, driving their actions, decisions, and relationships. They help create character arcs that resonate as your Protagonist(s) navigate the challenges and obstacles presented by the Theme. This interplay between Screenplay Themes & Character Development creates a flowing narrative — where each character becomes a way to explore and embody different aspects of your Theme.

Theme Improves Your Screenwriting

By developing and harnessing your own signature Themes, you establish a unique identity as a screenwriter, making it easier for producers, directors, and audiences to recognize and appreciate your work.

So, instead of writing a Slice of Life, pick a Theme and go with it! Defining what you want to say before writing your first draft can help you write a page-turning story.

As we learned above, when you choose a Core Word and take a stance on it, you’ve created a Theme. So Let’s continue our “Love” Core Word and see what kind of quick, simple screenwriting themes we could make out of that one word.

Screenwriting Themes for “Love”

Love can not bridge the gap between two worlds — Witness
Love can bridge the gap between two worlds — The African Queen
Love can survive the test of time — The Notebook
Love can heal a broken heart — Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Love can trigger personal transformation — Silver Linings Playbook
Love can transcend physical limitations — The Shape of Water
Love can inspire great acts of sacrifice — Titanic
Love can defy societal norms — Brokeback Mountain
Love can break down cultural barriers — Slumdog Millionaire
Love can empower individuals to fight for justice — 12 Years a Slave
Love can overcome mental illness — A Beautiful Mind
If you love someone, set them free — CODA

This is just a very small example list of themes you could make for “Love”… It could have hundreds of theme stated examples!!)

To better grasp the influence and versatility of Theme in novel and script writing, let’s dig a little deeper in a some examples of themes in screenplays:

In these screenplay theme examples, we can see that from Jim Carrey’s journey through the maze of lost memories to Will Smith’s pursuit of happiness, memorable stories are built on solid Themes, full of numerous Core Words that help them resonate with audiences long after Fade Out.

Now that we’ve explored some of the best movie Themes, let’s explore how to find yours!

By now, you’re probably chomping at the bit to get started, asking yourself, “How do I develop my movie theme?” or “How can I find my novel’s theme?” To that we say… Yay!!! That means you understand that developing a Theme for your story is the most important thing you can do as a professional screenwriter. If you only choose to listen to one piece of advice from us here at Writing Ninja, THIS is it.

Why? Because your audience needs to identify with something in your story. Otherwise, they won’t care. They need something to hook them — from where they are in their life. If you don’t have a clearly defined Core Idea, something that gives you psychological stakes and gets your audience invested, you have a hollow shell of a story. One in which things happen…. but for no reason. It leaves your audience saying, “So what…?” They feel no connection.

The 3Ms: The Message, Moral, or Meaning of your story

To start finding your story’s theme, let’s learn from a writer who got screenplay theme right. Let’s take a look at a great recent movie theme example, one with a Theme that elevated it’s story into an Oscar-winning screenplay for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture, “CODA.”

Write your Core Idea using the 3Ms: Message, Moral, or Meaning

Okay, so the “Core Idea” of your screenplay is what your story, at its heart, is all about. And your Core Idea (or Theme) is not just a single word. Remember, “Love” is not a Theme — it’s a Core WORD around which you can craft a Core IDEA for your story.

Now it’s your turn! Take a stand and tell your audience “My story is about _____ because… _________.” in the exercise below.

Try to be specific but universal when writing your Core Idea or Theme Statement. When you keep your idea high level, you will tap into an accessible idea for a broad audience. For example, “Love can heal” or “Love can come in many forms” are both universal — just about anyone can buy into that as an idea behind a movie. But “Love as friendship can help two inmates get through decades in prison” is specific to Shawshank Redemption. 

Be specific, but universal.

The more “generic” or “high level” you can make your Theme Statement or Core Idea, the easier you’ll find infusing your story with Theme — and more people will identify with the beating heart of your screenplay: your Core Idea.

No matter how you like to work — if you’re a Planner or a Pantser — thinking about your Core Idea or Theme (even a little bit!) before you start writing can save you a TON of time later.

Because your Theme should be the Reason you want to write this story. And if you can define that Why — even a little bit — before you write, you will be in better shape at the end of your first draft.

If you don’t know your WHY, or don’t think you have the “right” one yet, don’t worry!! You can always go back after you’re done writing. But… it’s waaaayyyy easier to define a Core Idea before you start writing — even if it’s a little vague or not quite right yet. Because even having a “meh” Core Idea is better than not having one and writing a Slice of Life situation instead of a Real Story!

Sure, if you define your Theme beforehand, it may change as you write. But if you’re consciously thinking of your Core Idea while you write, even as your story shifts and your characters morph, you’re still writing for a reason, which means you’ll inherently write towards something, creating stories that will be more widely appreciated. Once you figure out what you want to tell the world — your Why, the reason you’re writing this script — then you’ll be able to infuse resonance and meaning throughout your story.

Phew…! That was a lot.

If this seems overwhelming — or if you just want to quickly and easily create your universal Theme — check out Writing Ninja. Our one-of-a-kind Brainstorm Boards® make Theme (and writing!) super fun and easy. We have a Brainstorm Board dedicated to helping you figure out your Core Idea & Theme, with huge lists full of hundreds of movie and tv show Core Words. In three simple steps, you can have your Theme ironed out — without having to worry about any of the above!! Grab your Free Forever Account and give Writing Ninja a try!

Conclusion

When you embrace the power of Theme, it will guide your characters, shape your plot, and infuse your story with meaning and emotional resonance.

So, go forth and conquer your story with Theme! When you write a well-crafted Theme at the core of your screenplay, you’re creating a story that not only entertains… but also leaves a lasting impact.