Definition
Premise is the basic setup or scenario that makes the story possible. It is often the story's central "what if" question.
Example
"What if a teenager discovered her town was built on a lie?" is a premise that can support an entire novel.
Related terms
Common mistakes
- Mistaking premise for plot. Premise starts the engine; plot is the road the story travels.
- Choosing a premise with no clear conflict or room for change.