To determine the blank or what the story is about, a reader, must blank, the characters plot and setting to determine the blank a reader, must blank the characters plot and setting, in order to understand what message the author is conveying

To determine the theme or what the story is about, a reader must analyze the characters, plot, and setting to determine the central idea or message the author is conveying. This requires closely examining how the characters interact with their surroundings and how their actions drive the plot, in order to understand what underlying message the author wants to communicate.