* The protagonist: Who is the main character? What are their goals, desires, and flaws?
* The setting: Where and when does the story take place? This includes the physical location, time period, and social context.
* The initial conflict (or problem): What is the central problem or challenge the protagonist faces at the beginning? This is the seed that will grow into the larger conflict of the story.
Essentially, the basic situation is the foundation upon which the rest of the narrative is built. It establishes the context and introduces the core conflict that will drive the plot forward. It answers the basic questions of "who, where, when, and what problem?" The "why" (motivation) is usually revealed as the story progresses.