3 ways to include multiple themes in your story

Hello, wordsmiths! This article closely examines the intriguing notion of including multiple themes in your story. If you think one theme is a handful, wait till you try juggling two or three – or, dare we say, more! But fear not, dear writer. It's not a circus act; we're here to guide you through it.

Playing with multiple themes – but why?

Why would you want to include multiple themes in your story? A rich, complex story often explores more than one theme. Life is multifaceted, and reflecting this in your narrative can add depth, complexity, and realism.

1. Layering themes

Layering themes is like baking a cake. You have your main theme – the sponge, the base of your cake. Then, you can add additional, secondary themes – like your layers of jam and cream. They add extra flavour and complexity, but the cake would still be a cake without them.

For instance, the primary theme of your story might be 'the struggle for power corrupts', but within this, you might also explore themes of 'friendship can overcome adversity' and 'fear can lead to inaction'.

2. Parallel themes

Parallel themes are like two different ingredients on a plate, each with its own flavour but both contributing to the overall experience of the meal – or in this case, the story. These themes might not intersect directly, but each adds a unique flavour to the narrative.

Imagine a story in which one character's arc explores 'revenge leads to self-destruction', while another character's arc delves into 'forgiveness leads to personal growth'. These themes run parallel, each lending a different perspective to the narrative.

3. Contrasting themes

Contrasting themes are like a spicy-sweet dish. They might seem contradictory, but they create a unique, balanced flavour. So, for example, you might have a central theme of 'war leads to destruction', contrasted with a secondary theme of 'love can bloom amidst chaos'.

This contrast enriches your narrative and sparks interesting conflicts and resolutions.

The final act

So, there you have three ways to include multiple themes in your story. Remember, themes bring your narrative together. Whether you're layering, paralleling, or contrasting them, they should resonate with your readers and reflect the multifaceted nature of life itself.

💡 Read more about how theme and mood work together.