Which statement best defines a theme in a short story? A. A theme helps reveal the order in which events occur in a story.
B. A theme helps build tension between the characters in a story
C. A theme is the central message, moral, or lesson conveyed using characters, setting, and plot.
D. A theme is the use of an object to represent a larger idea.
E. A theme is the topic of a story, which the author develops through a particular time and mood.

It is C

Explanation:

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C. A theme is the central message, moral, or lesson conveyed using characters, setting, and plot.

Explanation:

The theme in a story is its underlying message, or 'big idea. ' In other words, what critical belief about life is the author trying to convey in the writing of a novel, play, short story or poem? So you might think it is E the topic but C is the best answer because is mentions the message and moral.

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