In literature what is a premise?

In literature, a premise is the central idea or concept that forms the foundation of a story. It's the "what if" question that drives the narrative, setting up the conflict and the journey the characters will take. Think of it as the seed that sprouts into the entire story.

Here's a breakdown of what a premise encompasses:

* The core idea: This is the fundamental concept that the story explores. It could be a situation, a problem, a relationship, a choice, or a philosophical question.

* The conflict: The premise often sets up a conflict that the characters must face. This could be internal (a struggle within a character's mind) or external (a challenge from the outside world).

* The journey: The premise dictates the path the story will take. It determines the events that unfold and the challenges the characters overcome.

* The theme: The premise often points towards a larger theme that the story explores, such as love, loss, redemption, or the nature of good and evil.

Here are some examples of premises:

* "What if a group of strangers were forced to work together to survive a deadly virus outbreak?" (Premise for a horror/thriller story)

* "What if a young woman discovered she was a princess and had to choose between her ordinary life and her royal destiny?" (Premise for a fantasy/romance story)

* "What if a robot learned to feel human emotions and had to choose between its programming and its newfound humanity?" (Premise for a science fiction/drama story)

A strong premise is essential for a compelling story because it:

* Captures the reader's attention: A good premise poses an intriguing question that makes readers want to know more.

* Provides a clear direction: It gives the author a roadmap for the story and helps them maintain focus.

* Creates suspense and excitement: The conflict and journey arising from the premise generate tension and keep readers engaged.

* Lends itself to thematic exploration: The core idea and the characters' journey provide opportunities to delve into deeper meaning.

By understanding the role of the premise in literature, you can better appreciate the structure and purpose of stories and learn to identify the core ideas that drive them.