Love could also be a central theme. There might be love for the ones who have been left behind, whether it's a romantic love, a family love or a friendship. This love could be what makes the leaving so difficult and what keeps the connection alive in the minds of those left.
One main theme could be loss. The title itself 'the ones we leave behind' implies a sense of people or things that are no longer with us, which often leads to feelings of loss and the process of dealing with it.
Perhaps there is a protagonist who has left their hometown and all the people there. So the main character would be this person who is constantly thinking about the ones they left behind in their old place, like old friends or family members still living there.
The theme of fear is likely present. Leaving the familiar world can be a scary thing, and the characters may face their fears. Also, the theme of change is important. Their lives are changing dramatically when they leave the world behind, and they have to adapt to new situations.
The themes include isolation and the search for connection. The characters are isolated from their familiar surroundings, and they struggle to find new connections with others in the midst of the upheaval. Also, there's a theme of survival. They have to figure out how to survive in a world that has suddenly become very different and dangerous.
We can learn different perspectives. A novel often presents unique views of the world. It might show how characters navigate through various situations, which can give us insights into human nature and different ways of life.
The 'What You Leave Behind' novel mainly focuses on emotional depth and character growth. The key elements are well-developed characters, a compelling storyline, and thought-provoking insights into life. The themes explore the impact of our choices and the importance of leaving a positive mark.
The theme of transformation is very common. This can be a physical, mental or emotional transformation. A character might start off as a broken, bitter person because of their dark experiences. But as they progress through the story, they become more positive, confident and kind. This transformation is often a central part of the 'leave darkness behind' concept in fanfiction. It shows the power of change and the human spirit's ability to overcome difficulties.
We can learn about the importance of adaptability. In the face of unexpected events as in the story, being able to adjust is crucial.
Memories and stories are the essence of our lives. Physical possessions don't really represent who we are at our core. Memories hold our emotions, and stories convey our values and experiences. They are what truly last long after we're gone.
It might be about escaping from the chaos and problems of the normal world. They leave it all behind to seek peace and simplicity. For example, they could be tired of the busy city life, the stress at work, and all the complications that come with modern living. So, they embark on a journey that takes them away from all that, and in this process, they might learn new things about themselves and life in general.
I'm not sure specifically as I haven't read the exact novel. But generally, there could be a protagonist who is the driving force behind the decision to leave the world behind. There might also be supporting characters who either oppose or help in this journey.