Leitmotif
In short: A leitmotif is a deliberately recurring element – an image, a phrase, an object – that runs through a story and gives it meaning and cohesion. It often works as a symbol at the same time.
Where the term comes from
The leitmotif comes from music: the term became popular in the 19th century through Richard Wagner's operas, where recurring musical phrases herald particular characters or ideas. Literature adopted it – Thomas Mann, for instance, worked deliberately with leitmotifs in „Buddenbrooks“ and „Tonio Kröger“.
How to use a leitmotif
Repetition with variation: The motif recurs, but changed – that is how it charges up with meaning.
Don't over-explain: A symbol works best when it isn't spelled out. Trust the image.
Introduce it early: A leitmotif only works if readers recognise it. Introduce it early and concretely so that its later appearances carry weight.
Leitmotifs on Fireside
In a serial, a leitmotif holds the parts together: a sentence or image that returns in every instalment turns separate texts into one connected story. More in our guide to serial fiction.
Related terms: Motif · Subtext · Through-Line · Foreshadowing
Frequently asked questions
What is a leitmotif?
A deliberately recurring element that runs through a story and charges it with meaning.
What is the difference between a leitmotif and a symbol?
A symbol stands in for something else; a leitmotif is an element that gains meaning through repetition – often it is symbolic at once.
What is the difference between a leitmotif and a motif?
A motif is a content building block that appears in many works – forbidden love, for instance. A leitmotif is a specific element that recurs within one work and holds it together.