Book I: The Premise Summary and Analysis

A premise is detailed as being what a writer sets out to prove with his story, and the author explains and exemplifies why it is of the utmost importance for one to be established. It is something that suggests character, conflict, and a conclusion. It will be a story's foundation, an essential the author believes any writer must figure out at some point in his story development in order to write a tale that will "show you the road."

The author takes a look at some noteworthy plays to find their premises, and demonstrates that often enough, one can be found in a story. However, he questions whether the authors themselves knew about it, which would explain why in some stories, there are certain events that stray from their premises. Therefore, the story may begin...