Question

A story's ____ is the central idea or insight about life or human behavior. plot setting theme tone

Answer 1

Theme

In most stories, the theme is not stated directly, it is revealed through the character's experiences. It is a generalization about life or human nature. Certain types of experiences are common to all people
everywhere.Universal themes come up again and again in literature that can help  guide us through our lives deal with basic human concerns-good and evil, life and death, love and loss.

Theme is not a subject it is expressed in a sentence. Sometimes the title gives clues. It applies to the entire work of the story.