Here's a breakdown:
* Theme: The underlying message or main idea that the author is trying to convey through the story. It's not explicitly stated, but rather emerges from the characters, plot, and setting. Themes are usually universal and relatable, exploring ideas like love, loss, redemption, revenge, good vs. evil, etc.
* Plot: The sequence of events that make up the story.
* Setting: The time and place where the story takes place.
* Characters: The people (or sometimes animals) who act out the story.
While plot, setting, and characters contribute to the story, it's the theme that gives the work its deeper meaning and resonance.