What differentiates the main topic from the central theme of a story?

The main topic of a story refers to the primary subject or focus that the narrative revolves around, which often describes what the story is fundamentally about. This includes elements such as the setting, characters, and major events that directly relate to the subject matter. When one identifies the main topic, they are pinpointing the straightforward elements of the story that can be easily articulated.

On the other hand, the central theme is a broader, more abstract concept that explores the underlying messages or moral lessons conveyed through the narrative. Themes are generally universal ideas that resonate beyond the specifics of the plot and can encompass topics like love, conflict, bravery, and the human experience.

By recognizing that the main topic aligns closely with the main subject, it's clear that this choice accurately captures the distinction between surface-level elements of a story (the main topic) and deeper interpretations that arise from the plot and character arcs (the central theme).