Elisabeth Fairchild
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Theme Driven Writing

What does Theme driven writing mean?
Most writers build story based on one of three things:
PLOT
CHARACTER
THEME


In each case the story is driven by that choice, and all aspects of the story line spring from, or are colored by that choice.
Examples:

1. PLOT DRIVEN WRITING generally focuses on an event(s) and how it (they) unfold to trigger more events. In describing a book or movie written from plot you might do so saying--"This happened, and then that happened, which led to the big event..." Characters and themes are subordinate to plot.
CLASSIC EXAMPLE OF PLOT DRIVEN WORK: Alexander Dumas' The Three Muskateers, and The Man in the Iron Mask.

2. CHARACTER DRIVEN WRITING generally revolves around a dynamic character so compelling or unusual that all events that transpire are affected or colored by his/her presence. In describing a book or movie written from character you might do so saying "You see there's this incredible character (brilliant detective) who colors the whole story by (solving crimes in a way no one else can...)" Plot and themes are subordinate to character.
CLASSIC EXAMPLES OF CHARACTER DRIVEN WORK: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes (or the modern day interpretation of Sherlock Holmes, Monk, the Defective Detective)

3. THEME DRIVEN WRITING focuses on a central idea or truism. That idea colors every element of the story.
In describing a book or movie written from theme you might do so in a--"This movie is all about: (honor, pride, prejudice, persuasion, etc.)" Plot and character are subordinate to theme.
CLASSIC EXAMPLES OF THEME DRIVEN WORK: Jane Austen's Persuasion, (the theme is persuasion) Pride and Prejudice (the theme is impressions)