What do we call the underlying message or main idea conveyed through a story?

The correct answer is theme, which refers to the overarching message or main idea that an author wishes to convey through a story. The theme often reflects universal truths about human experiences, morality, or society and can be expressed in various ways through the characters, events, and overall narrative. Identifying the theme allows readers to connect more deeply with the text, as it encourages them to think critically about the author’s purpose and the implications of the story's events.

Understanding the theme provides insight into the characters' motivations and struggles, and it often resonates with readers on a personal level. This is distinct from plot, which is the sequence of events that make up the story; setting, which encompasses the time and place in which the story occurs; and conflict, which is the challenge or struggle that characters must overcome. Each of these elements contributes to the story but does not encapsulate the overarching message as the theme does.