Which of the following best defines main ideas?

Main ideas are the most important points or concepts within a text because they encapsulate the essence of what the author is trying to communicate. They serve as the foundation for understanding the text's purpose and direction. Identifying the main idea allows readers to grasp the key message, themes, or arguments that the author presents, helping them interpret and analyze the text more effectively.

The other choices do not represent the definition of main ideas accurately. Minor details are supportive elements that enrich the story but do not capture the core message. Overarching themes related to characters might inform the narrative but do not necessarily summarize the text's central point. The author's personal opinions contribute to a text's voice, yet they do not define the main idea itself, which focuses more on the text's objective content rather than subjective interpretation.