Dystopian fictions focus on character vs. society, while post-apoc often about character vs. nature or character vs. character.
Common Themes in Dystopian Stories
what it means to be human
1-corruption
2-abuse of power
3-authority
4-injustice
5-class system
6-freedom and the price of freedom
7-oppression
Common Themes in Post-Apocalyptic Stories
1-what it means to be human
2-survival
3-civility
4-rebuilding civilization
5-starting over
6-learning from our mistakes