David Mamet distilled all dramatic writing into three simple questions:
1) Who wants what from whom?
2) What happens if they don't get it?
3) Why now?
These aren't just writing rules, they're the backbone of every compelling story, whether it's on screen, stage, page, in a boardroom presentation, or around the dinner table.
The first question forces clarity. Vague desires create vague stories. "Sarah want to be successful" is weak. "Sarah needs Gavin to approve her pay rise by Friday" has teeth.
The second question creates tension. Without consequences, there's no drama. Without stakes, there's no reason to care. "Sarah needs Gavin to approve her pay rise by Friday or she'll lose out on the house of her dreams."
The third question, "Why now?", is the most crucial. It transforms interesting situations into urgent ones. "Sarah needs Gavin to approve her pay rise by Friday because she's being kicked out of her flat and she'll lose out on the house of her dreams." Now we're really rooting for her.