Status Updates From Plot & Structure: Technique...

Great reference book on plot. It has its issues, mainly the examples it uses, but as a guide to developing plot I considere it very helpful, as long as you take it with a pinch of salt.

What lesson do you want the reader to learn? What is the insight, the new way of looking at things? This is your theme. Theme deepens the reader's experience. Character always carry theme. Always. Other-wise it will seem as if the theme is forced. The old 'show don't tell' definitely applies here. Theme can help make the story memorable.

Find symbols, use them to form a motif. Weave them into your story.