Leitmotif

Recurring musical or textual motif tied to a character, place, or idea. Theme craft shows meaning through pattern and cost — not through speeches about meaning.

As a device, it manipulates reader experience — plant it early enough to feel fair on reread.

This term narrows the broader idea of **motif** — keep parent and child roles distinct in outlines.

In revision, ask whether the move earns its place in this scene — techniques work when they change reader understanding or feeling.