By now, you probably have a character, a problem, and some sense of where the problem is headed. You're starting to get to know your character, now that you've profiled them and dug into their background. It's time to move on to some story meta-data.

Let's Talk About Theme

Every good story incorporates some sort of growth or change on the part of its protagonist. But don't assume that "grow" always means "get better."

Consider Walter White, the high-school-chemistry-teacher-turned-illicit-drug-manufacturer in Breaking Bad. Over the course of five seasons, Walt (a.k.a. Heisenberg) transitions from mild-mannered teacher and family man to ruthless killer. Every choice he makes that leads him to villainy is rationalized because he is just saving his family. Ultimately, the only viable option for the character is his demise, because there is no going back to the old Walt.

Themes in Breaking Bad

Power corrupts. Even the most gentle person can be seduced by it.

Morality isn't black and white. The vilest deeds can be justified by noble reasons.

Can you identify other themes in Breaking Bad?
What are some of the themes in your favorite stories?