Which statement best defines a theme in a short story?

A. A theme is the central message, moral, or lesson conveyed using characters, setting, and plot.
B. A theme is the use of an object to represent a larger idea.
C. A theme helps build tension between the characters in a story.
D. A theme is the topic of a story, which the author develops through a particular tone and mood.
E. A theme helps reveal the order in which events occur in a story.