The Lords of Shadow:

Plot is the literal sequence of events that happens in a story, while theme is the deeper, abstract meaning or lesson behind those events. In short: plot is what happens, and theme is why it matters. The Core Differences Definition The sequence of action and cause-and-effect events. The central argument, message, or moral. Nature Concrete, literal, and visible on the page. Abstract, universal, and read between the lines. Question It Answers “What happens next?” “What is this story really about?” Focus Actions of the characters. Experiences of the reader. Understanding Plot Theme in writing what is it and how to indentify