The power of symbolic objects in storytelling

Some of the most unforgettable moments in fiction don’t come from plot twists or dialogue.

They come from a symbolic object—a small, tangible thing that carries emotional weight and meaning.

Think of the Mockingjay pin in The Hunger Games.

Or Harlan’s scarf in Knives Out.

Or even the green light across the bay in The Great Gatsby.

These aren’t just props.They’re symbols—powerful storytelling tools that anchor themes, deepen emotion, and stay with the reader long after the final page.

what is a symbolic object?

A symbolic object is a physical item in your story that represents something bigger—an idea, a memory, a character’s longing, fear, or transformation.

It’s not just there for decoration. It serves a deeper purpose:

• Reflecting a character’s internal journey

• Repeating as a motif to reinforce theme

• Evoking emotion without explanation

• Triggering memory or change

Symbolic objects turn abstract emotions into concrete images. They make the invisible visible.

examples of powerful symbolic objects

Let’s look at a few examples and why they work:

The Mockingjay pin – The Hunger Games

What starts as a token of friendship becomes the symbol of rebellion. Katniss doesn’t just wear it—she becomes what it represents: resistance, survival, defiance.

The scarf – Knives Out

Harlan’s missing scarf is a simple detail that becomes a vital clue. But more than that, it represents the unraveling of truth—something seemingly small that holds everything together until it doesn’t.

The flashlight – Stranger Things

Used repeatedly in dark, tense moments, the flashlight becomes a stand-in for hope, discovery, and the fight against fear. Every time a character clicks it on, the stakes feel real.

The enchanted rose – Beauty and the Beast

The rose is a literal ticking clock—but it’s also a symbol of love, transformation, and mortality. Its petals fall as the Beast learns to open his heart.

how to use symbolic objects in your own writing

1. Choose something simple and specific

Pick an object that’s easy to describe, easy to visualize, and connected to your character’s world.

Ask: What’s something this character would carry, notice, keep, or lose?

It could be:

• A locket

• A chipped mug

• A handwritten note

• A cracked phone screen

• A pair of red shoes

2. Connect it to emotion

Symbolic objects work best when they’re emotionally charged. Maybe it reminds the character of someone they’ve lost. Maybe it represents a dream, a fear, or a secret.

Ask: How does this object make the character feel—and why?

3. Repeat it with variation

The power of a symbolic object comes from how often—and how differently—it shows up.

Each time the reader sees it, the context has changed. The meaning has deepened.

• The character gives it away

• It breaks or is lost

• It’s rediscovered or passed on

• It appears in an unexpected place

This evolution mirrors the character’s growth.

4. Let it echo your theme

If your story is about healing, maybe the object is broken and slowly mended. If it’s about identity, maybe it’s something inherited—or rejected. If it’s about sacrifice, maybe it’s something the character must give up.

Ask: How can this object reflect what the story is really about?

try this writing prompt

Take your current WIP and answer:

• What object could symbolize my protagonist’s deepest fear or longing?

• How can I introduce it early, and use it again in a different way later?

• What emotion do I want the reader to feel each time it reappears?

Bonus: If you already have an object, go back and layer in subtle references to reinforce its weight.

Symbolic objects are small, but mighty.They don’t shout—they resonate. They give your story texture, depth, and emotional gravity.

So the next time you’re writing a scene, ask yourself: What small thing carries big meaning here?

Because sometimes, it’s not the plot twist we remember. It’s the pin, the rose, the photograph, the scarf.