What is the Premise of a Story. How to create the premise of a story

The Premise of a Story 

The premise of a story is the central idea, concept, or underlying theme that forms the foundation of the narrative. It is essentially a summary of the key elements of the story, including the setting, characters, conflict, and main objective or goal. The premise defines what the story is about and what it aims to achieve, and sets the stage for the narrative to unfold.

A well-crafted premise should be clear and concise, and it should communicate the core of the story in a way that is both engaging and memorable. It should also give the reader an idea of what to expect from the story, and provide the writer with a roadmap for developing the narrative. In short, the premise of a story is the starting point from which the writer builds the rest of the narrative.

How to create the premise of a story

Creating the premise of a story is an important first step in the writing process. Here are some steps you can follow to develop a strong and effective premise:

Start with a concept: Begin by brainstorming a general idea or concept that you want to explore in your story. This could be an event, a character, a theme, or anything else that you find intriguing.

Define the setting: Decide on the time and place where your story will take place. This will give your story context and help you create a more vivid and believable world.

Develop the characters: Think about who the main characters in your story will be, what motivates them, and what their relationships are to each other.

Identify the conflict: Decide what the main conflict or challenge in your story will be. This could be an external conflict, such as a war or natural disaster, or an internal conflict, such as a character’s personal struggles.

Determine the central theme: Think about what the story is trying to say or what message you want to convey. What is the overarching idea or theme that you want to explore in your story?

Write a brief summary: Once you have these elements in place, write a brief summary of your story’s premise, focusing on the setting, characters, conflict, and central theme. This summary should be concise and to the point, and should give you a clear understanding of what your story is about.

By following these steps, you can create a strong and effective premise that will serve as the foundation for your story. From there, you can start writing and fleshing out your characters, plot, and setting, using your premise as a guide.

The premise of a story in  Indian films

The premise of a story in Indian films often involves a central conflict or challenge that the protagonist must overcome, and it often explores themes of family, love, and tradition. Here are a few examples of the premises of popular Indian films:

“Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (The Braveheart Will Take the Bride) – A young man from a conservative family falls in love with a woman from a liberal family, and must navigate the challenges and obstacles of their cultural differences to be together.

“Baahubali” – A young man sets out on a journey to avenge the death of his father and reclaim his rightful place as the king of his kingdom, all while navigating a complex web of political and personal rivalries.

“PK” – An alien from another planet comes to Earth and must navigate the complexities of human society, all while searching for the answer to a fundamental question about the meaning of life.

” Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” (Sometimes Happiness, Sometimes Sorrow) – A wealthy family must navigate the challenges of familial and cultural differences when their youngest son marries a girl from a lower-class background.

These films use their premise to explore complex themes and universal human experiences, while also showcasing the rich cultural traditions of India. The premise of a story is a crucial aspect of Indian films, as it sets the stage for the narrative and provides a framework for the characters and events to unfold.