Which term best describes the author’s main goal when writing?

The term that best describes the author’s main goal when writing is the author's purpose. This refers to the reason an author decides to write about a specific topic, and it can encompass a variety of intentions, such as to inform, entertain, persuade, or express. Understanding the author's purpose is crucial for analyzing a text because it helps readers grasp why the author chose to convey their message in a particular way and what they hope to achieve through their writing.

In contrast, narrative technique involves the methods and tools that an author uses to tell a story, such as point of view and pacing. While these techniques contribute to how the story is presented, they do not directly capture the overarching goal of the writing itself. A character arc describes the transformation or growth of a character throughout a story, which is more about the character's development rather than the author's intention. Literary theme refers to the central idea or message that can be derived from the text, highlighting what the author explores rather than their specific purpose for writing.