Here we will dive into the crux of plot (conflict) and some of the craft elements that help you guide your readers' experience of the narrative. Within plot we have conflict, the internal why of your story. And within conflict we have its expression through tension, pacing, and stakes. There is a secondary why to your story though, an external one. The purpose of the story, the relatable truth of your story, the theme. And there’s a final piece: how your story is written that

I realized these key elements easily fall into the 5 W’s which we often discuss in non-fiction writing (particularly journalism.) Turns out they are just as important in fiction! What a big surprise… So we’ve got the who (character), what (plot), when & where (setting), how (POV) and a double serving of why (conflict and theme.)