How is the term "theme" defined in theater?

The term "theme" in theater refers to the central idea or message conveyed by the play. This encompasses the deeper meaning or insight the playwright intends to communicate, which often reflects on human nature, societal issues, or moral dilemmas. The theme serves as the backbone of the story, guiding characters’ actions, influencing plot developments, and resonating with the audience on a psychological and emotional level. Themes can be explicit, stated directly within the dialogue, or implicit, emerging through the characters’ experiences and the narrative's progression.

The other choices address different elements of a theatrical production. A recurring motif relates more to specific symbols or concepts that appear throughout the performance, rather than the overarching message. The physical setting pertains to the backdrop and environment in which the play takes place, serving as context rather than core content. Character development and arcs focus on individual characters' growth and transformation, which, while important to storytelling, do not define the broader thematic elements of the play. Thus, the central idea or message is what fundamentally defines the theme in theater.