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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/33653
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

 **Yes, it is fine for the characters to be unaware of theme.**

Jack London's _Call of the Wild_ had clear themes. The animals were likely not aware of them. Orwell's _Animal Farm_.

It took me, the author, a while to identify the themes of my own story. I found them, with some thought. They rang true to me and I understood better why I wrote the story. The knowledge didn't change the story. The themes were there whether I knew it or not. However, knowing them, I can use the knowledge to sharpen the story if I choose.

If I, as an author, am less than clear on my own theme, and if there is a human trait to tell story without prioritizing theme, then it is fine for the characters to be less aware of theme.

If you assign a story, say, _Lord of the Flies_, to a high school class - And ask students to identify theme. You will have many answers. Some require more thought and may in fact fall 'wrong.' But many will be legitimate and backed by evidence and argument and writing.

The characters' jobs is to be true to themselves. Don't give them extra work. It will fall flat.

A good story will have theme. Identifying your themes is a good exercise and gives you a tool to improve upon your writing.

Original score: 1