Types of Keystone Messages Found in Stories

What is the purpose of a great story? Should it teach a moral lesson, inspire hope, or provide survival information? 

That’s up to you, the storyteller to decide, as you create a Story Keystone and use that to hold together the rest of your story’s architecture.

In my blog on the definition of story keystones, I extensively discussed the importance of Keystone Messages and why stories need one to be worth remembering. What I didn’t cover before, though, was the different types of Keystone Messages you can use.

This list looks at nine types of Keystone Messages and provides a description of what it is, and an example of a well-known story that falls within each category. 

• Moral Lessons.
• Survival Information.
• Identity and Belonging.
• Hope and Optimism.
• Awareness Raising.
• Social Commentary.
• Cultural Preservation.
• Empowerment and Independence.
• Wisdom And Life Reflections.
• That’s Messages, but What about Themes?
• Bringing It All Together.
• Get Sketches & Storytelling Delivered to Your Inbox.

Let’s jump in then, starting with one of the oldest types of Keystone Message found in the history of storytelling…

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Moral Lessons.

Moral Lesson stories impart moral values and teach life lessons, such as fables and allegorical tales. They often present ethical dilemmas and highlight the consequences of actions.

Example: Rumpelstiltskin is a classic fairy tale that serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of making deals without considering the long-term implications.

Keystone Message: Each of us must be aware of making impulsive decisions, taking responsibility and facing the consequences of our actions.

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Survival Information.

Survival Information stories demonstrate the strength of characters in facing adversity and surviving challenging situations. These stories often offer practical tips and knowledge for handling difficult circumstances. 

Example: The Road, by Cormac McCarthy, is a novel that presents a harrowing post-apocalyptic world and offers insights into the extreme measures people might take to survive.

Keystone Message: Even in the harshest circumstances, the unbreakable bond of love and a glimmer of hope serve as vital tools for survival. 

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Identity and Belonging.

Identity and Belonging stories delve into questions of identity or ethnicity and the search for a sense of belonging, often exploring the tension between individuality and conformity.

Example: The Jungle Book, by Jon Favreau, is a film adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic story that explores the journey of a young boy named Mowgli as he navigates his identity as a human raised by wolves in the jungle.

Keystone Message: In order to realise your full potential, you first need to identify, accept, and embrace your true self. 

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Hope and Optimism.

Hope and Optimism stories instil a sense of hope and optimism in the audience, even in the face of extreme adversity, often through characters who inspire others with their resilience and positive outlook.

Example: The Lord of the Rings, by JRR Tolkien, is an epic fantasy story renowned for portraying unwavering hope, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness – the story’s characters and their journeys exemplify this in profound ways.

Keystone Message: Even in the face of overwhelming darkness, the collective strength of sacrifice, unity, perseverance, friendship, and hope can triumph.

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Awareness Raising.

Awareness Raising stories illuminate pressing social, cultural, or environmental concerns to prompt understanding and action, often shedding light on hidden or overlooked issues.

Example: To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, is a story that addresses deep-seated issues of racial injustice, prejudice, and moral conscience. This story sheds light on the complexities of society and encourages the audience to critically examine the world around them. 

Keystone Message: It’s our responsibility as humans to confront and challenge racism, foster empathy, and stand up for what’s morally right, even in the face of adversity.

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Social Commentary.

Social Commentary stories offer commentary on societal issues, cultural norms, or political systems, often using humour and exaggeration to critique aspects of society.

Example: V for Vendetta, by Alan Moore, is a story that exemplifies social commentary and offers a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as totalitarianism, government control, individuality, and resistance. 

Keystone Message: Even against overwhelming oppression, individual resistance can ignite a collective spark for change in the quest for personal and societal freedom.

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Cultural Preservation.

Cultural Preservation stories celebrate cultural traditions, rituals, and heritage. They emphasise the importance of preserving and passing down knowledge.

Example: The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak, cleverly captures the power of literature to preserve culture, memory, and humanity, even in the darkest of times. 

Keystone Message: The capacity for compassion and the transformative impact of words, storytelling, and human connection endures despite adversity.

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Empowerment and Independence.

Empowerment and Independence stories inspire the audience to embrace their individuality, make their own choices, and pursue their dreams, often through characters who break free from oppressive situations and assert their independence.

Example: Brave, by Brenda Chapman (Disney Pixar), tells the story of a young Scottish princess named Merida, who defies tradition and societal expectations to forge her own path.

Keystone Message: If you’re willing to embrace your true self and make choices that align with your values, you’ll have the ability to shape your own future.

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Wisdom And Life Reflections.

Wisdom and Life Reflection stories offer philosophical insights and reflections on the human experience, often including proverbs and allegories that convey timeless wisdom.

Example: Meditations, by Marcus Aurelius, whilst maybe not classed as a story in the traditional sense, is a large collection of personal writings created from the life experience of the Emperor. These stories offer profound insights into philosophy, self-examination, and the pursuit of a virtuous life.

Keystone Message: By practising self-discipline and cultivating inner tranquillity, you can navigate and find fulfilment in the face of life’s challenges. 

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That’s Messages, but What about Themes?

I’ve written and spoken ad nauseam on the difference between themes and message, so just for fun, let’s look at the different themes we could use to add to the weight of each type of Keystone Message…

Keystone Message Type: Moral Lessons.

Complementary Themes: 

• Accountability
• Pride 
• Anger 
• Deceit 
• Honesty

Keystone Message Type: Survival Information.

Complementary Themes:

• Adversity
• Struggle
• Panic
• Hope
• Strength

Keystone Message Type: Identity and Belonging.

Complementary Themes: 

• Family
• Culture
• Coming-of-age
• Friendship
• Individuality

Keystone Message Type: Hope and Optimism.

Complementary Themes:

• Resilience
• Friendship
• Sacrifice
• Perseverance
• Strength

Keystone Message Type: Awareness Raising.

Complementary Themes:

• Sustainability
• Prejudice
• Confrontation
• Empathy
• Thoughtfulness

Keystone Message Type: Social Commentary.

Complementary Themes: 

• Politics
• Oppression
• Resistance
• Conformance
• Freedom

Keystone Message Type: Cultural Preservation.

Complementary Themes: 

• Culture
• Memory
• Humanity
• Connection
• Heritage

Keystone Message Type: Empowerment and Independence.

Complementary Themes:

• Individuality
• Oppression
• Values
• Tradition
• Ideaology

Keystone Message Type: Wisdom and Life Reflections.

Complementary Themes: 

• Philosophy
• Insight
• Self-examination
• Virtue
• Memory

The story themes I’ve picked out for each type of Keystone Message amplify the definitions of themes as broad, surface-level topics and subjects your story fits into.

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Bringing It All Together.

Every great story is held together by its message, whether intentional or not. By consciously choosing a Story Keystone, you give your story a clear purpose and make it more impactful. 

As we’ve explored, different types of Keystone Message shape the way the audience engages with and remembers stories. Whether you aim to inspire hope, challenge societal norms, or preserve culture, your chosen Story Keystone serves as the backbone of your narrative. 

So, as you craft your next story, ask yourself: What do I want my audience to take away from this? The answer will guide you toward a meaningful and powerful Keystone Message.

Great stories have many components, building blocks that you can’t tell a good story without and even if one of them is missing, your story will fail to capture your audience. A Keystone Message is just one of those ingredients. See my guide – The Essential Elements of Storytelling – to explore the others.