A leitmotif is a recurring musical theme associated with a particular character, idea, or situation in a composition. This technique is often used in operas and film scores to create emotional connections and enhance storytelling. For example, in Richard Wagner's operas, specific melodies represent characters or concepts, helping the audience recognize their presence or significance. In film, composers like John Williams use leitmotifs to evoke feelings and memories. For instance, the iconic theme for Darth Vader in the Star Wars series signals his arrival and influence. By repeating these themes, composers deepen the audience's engagement with the narrative.