A few days ago, I watched the old Bogie and Hepburn film, “The African Queen.” It was actually what got me started thinking about story themes.

So here’s another variation on basic story themes — yes, with some repetition — from a movie perspective.

Top 10 Central Themes in Film – The Script Lab

http://thescriptlab.com/screenwriting/story/development/1005-top-10-central-themes-in-film#

Yesterday, I mentioned a classic story theme, “man against nature.” The way I learned it in high school, there were only three themes from which all stories are drawn.
1. Man against man
2. Man against nature (or God)
3. Man against himself

That was a spare list, but according to my English teacher, who was well equipped with examples, that pretty well covered it.

Len Wilson learned seven themes, then updated the list with variations and, of course, examples.

There Are Only Seven Stories in the World | Len Wilson

http://lenwilson.us/seven-stories/

“Man against nature” was one of the classic story themes I learned in school. Here are 10 ideas for “classic adventures” that could make great story starters. Pick one and see where it takes you.

Adventure Dreams: 10 Classic Adventures – Inspiration, Gear, Training – National Geographic

http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/trips/adventure-dreams-inspiration-gear-training/?sf4426409=1

If your spy kills someone in Africa, hyenas may eat — and digest — all the evidence, even the bones. Kids books can be a great source of plot-turning trivia.
These come from National Geographic.

50 Awesome Facts (About Everything) | Mental Floss

http://mentalfloss.com/article/58321/50-awesome-facts-about-everything?bypass=1

How do you name your characters? Some of mine just pop into my head, but I have favorite names that I keep starting with and need to change later.
One character got his name when I saw a comination of letters on a license plate and wondered what it could possibly mean.
I also use Social Security data to pick names that were popular in the decade my characters were born or to find surnames I might not think of.
Here’s a list that explains what some names mean. I can imagine calling a woman who owns a cupcake shop Baxter.

30 Family Secrets Hiding in English Surnames

http://m.mentalfloss.com/article.php?id=58605