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Creative Non-Fiction
Module 1
Theme as an element of
Creative Non-fiction
Every work of literature contains a stated or implied
general message about life and the world. These
truth statements about how the world works, or at
least how the narrator has observed it to function,
are usually debatable, but they're not necessarily
revelations: If they were, they might not resonate
with readers.
At the end of this module, you are
expected to:
1. Determine the theme or central idea of
a text.
2. Analyze in details the development
including how theme emerges is shaped
and refined specifically over the course of
the text
Defining a
Theme
● The theme in a story is its underlying message, or 'big
idea.'
● This belief, or idea, transcends cultural barriers. It is
usually universal in nature.
● When a theme is universal, it touches on the human
experience, regardless of race or language.
● It is what the story means.
● Often, a piece of writing will have more than one
theme.
MANUEL E. ARGUILLA

01 02 03

Author Bauang Work

Ilocano who wrote in Barrio Nagrebcan, "How My Brother
English Bauang, La Union, Leon Brought Home
where he was born in a Wife."
1911.
 Great Idea!!
• A short story, novella, or novel presents a narrative
to its reader.
• Perhaps that narrative involves mystery, terror,
romance, comedy, or all of the above.
• These works of fiction may also contain memorable
characters, vivid world-building, literary devices
like metaphor and foreshadowing, and even some
random quirkiness.
How to Develop a Theme for Your Story
(Masterclass 2019)
1. Seek Universal Themes.
Ask yourself: What aspect of my plot
recurs in the stories of people of all
ages, races,
genders, and walks of life?
2. Choose a Theme
That Sticks with
Your Reader.

Consider what ideas

you want your reader
to keep thinking about
long after they've
forgotten the specific
plot of your book.
3. Start with Another Story Element.
While the theme of your story can elevate it
above other books with similar narratives, few
authors start a good story with a theme.
Typically, they begin with another story element
—a
captivating premise, an amusing main character,
a touching love story, or a real-life event—
and build from there. Some authors even embark
upon a first draft without fully knowing
what their overall theme will be.
4. Create an Outline.

To ensure that a good theme is present

throughout your own novel, make your theme
part of the outlining process.
5. Weave Your Theme
Throughout the Narrative.
As you fill in the details of
each act, make sure your
main character encounters
situations that
highlight the theme.
If you're balancing multiple
story lines, see if you can
make your theme
manifest in each of those
narrative threads—ideally
in a different way in each
story line.
6. Include
Multiple Themes.

Many books and stories aren‟t

rooted to a single theme. Some
authors begin writing with a

central idea they wish to convey

but, over the course of the
writing process, uncover a

different theme that also

resonates within the boundaries
of their narrative.
7. Don’t Limit Yourself.
Point Out the Most Important
Things about This Lesson
● Point out the most important
things about the lesson
● Point out the most important
things about the lesson
● Point out the most important
things about the lesson
● Point out the most important
things about the lesson
● Point out the most important
things about the lesson
● Point out the most important
things about the lesson
● Point out the most important
things about the lesson
● Point out the most important
things about the lesson