* The title: Often a concise and intriguing summary of the main theme or conflict.
* The plot summary/ synopsis (if available): A brief description of the story's events, often found on book covers, in catalogs, or online.
* The opening/exposition: The beginning of the story usually introduces the setting, characters, and initial situation, hinting at the central conflict or theme.
* The main conflict/central problem: The driving force of the narrative, which shapes the events and character development. Understanding this conflict gives the reader a strong sense of the story's purpose.
* The theme(s): The underlying message or idea explored in the story. Themes are often abstract concepts like love, loss, revenge, or justice.
* The genre: The category the story belongs to (e.g., romance, mystery, science fiction) provides immediate expectations about the type of story to expect.
In short, it's a combination of these elements that collectively communicates the story's subject matter. The emphasis on each element varies depending on the story and its presentation.