It could be through the character's past mistakes. If the quiet man has made errors in his past, his actions throughout the story might be a way of redeeming himself.
The description of the setting also helps present the theme. The bridge, which is a place of transition but also a place of danger in the context of war, reflects the uncertainty and chaos that war brings. The old man sitting there, not really knowing what to do, emphasizes the theme of the displacement and helplessness of people during war. Also, the lack of real hope in the old man's words and actions throughout the story further cements the theme of the hopelessness of war for the common folk.
In the story, man - versus - nature is shown through the characters' struggle against natural disasters. For example, when a storm hits the village where the main character lives, he has to fight against the strong winds and floods to save his family and home.
The theme of nature is presented through the birds themselves. They are a part of nature, and their behaviors, such as flying, nesting, and searching for food, are all natural elements that are likely depicted in the story.
In the short story, Stephen King develops the theme of redemption through Andy's character. Andy is wrongly imprisoned, but instead of becoming bitter, he tries to improve himself and the lives of those around him. He gets the prison library going, which is a form of redemption as he is giving back to the inmates. His friendship with Red also plays a part. By the end, when he manages to escape and start a new life, it shows his complete redemption from the unjust situation he was in.
It could be about a man who is quiet in nature. Maybe he is a loner or someone who keeps to himself. He might have some sort of internal struggle or a past that makes him this way.
Dialogue is another powerful tool. Characters can have conversations that directly or indirectly touch on the teaching theme. For instance, in a short story with a theme of friendship, characters might discuss what true friendship means to them, like being there for each other in tough times, sharing joys and sorrows, and always being honest. Through these dialogues, the reader can better understand the teaching theme.
I'm sorry, I don't know the main characters in 'the quiet man short story' as I haven't read it. But typically, there would be the quiet man himself, and maybe some characters who interact with him like a neighbor, a friend or a family member.
Since it's called 'the quiet man short story', the main character is likely the quiet man.
One possible theme could be the search for inner peace. The main character may be on a journey to find a calm state of mind in a chaotic world.
I'm not sure as I haven't read this specific short story in detail. But generally, it might be about a man who is quiet, perhaps his inner thoughts, his relationships, or the events that happen around him in a rather subdued or introverted context.