Free Association
A popular method for interpreting dreams is free association. Take each character, object, and image in your dream- you may want to write them down to help you remember them as you go along- and free associate to each one. Think of the image/object/scene/person and think about what it reminds you of. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you imagine it?
Allow your mind to wander from one association to the next. This should eventually lead you to a conclusion about what the dream means. You will probably find that several object in the dream, when free associated, will lead up to similar memories, thoughts, ideas, or emotions.
Let's take an example. Let's say I had a dream about a camel with a balloon tied to its neck. The camel reminds me of cigarettes, which then reminds me of a friend who used to smoke that particular brand. The balloon reminds me of a party- and then it hits me- my friend's birthday was yesterday! Since both symbols lead to this friend, maybe I dreamt it because subconsciously, I knew I had forgotten her birthday?