Motif

The motif is one of the most powerful tools that can be used in telling a story. Motifs are basically themes that are repeated throughout texts; they can be anything, from written words, a symbol, character actions, theme music, etc. The motif allows the audience to connect with something that they already know accompanies the motif, and they can, therefore, apply the connection to what they see in the scene where the motif appears.

The basic repetition of a motif adds to it's power, although some motifs are powerful enough to appear relatively few times.

Well-known motifs include:


 * The Dark Mark (Harry Potter)- The dark mark is a recurring theme in the Harry Potter saga, instilling terror in all who see it. Whenever Death Eaters kill, they place the mark in the sky.


 * Words floating through space (Star Wars)- This can always be traced back to the Star Wars saga.


 * The first four notes of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony- These powerful notes are repeated time and time again throughout the song.