Making a Good Script Great, by Linda Segar pp 26,27

The Central Question

[After you have started the story in motion with your catalyst {or inciting event as we call it}] The set up… is still not complete. The image may have oriented us, and the catalyst has begun the story, but there’s one more ingredient necessary before we’re ready to begin the story.

Every story, in a sense, is a mystery. It asks a question in the set-up that will be answered at the climax. Usually a problem is introduced, or a situation that needs to be resolved is presented. This situation or problem raises a question in our minds, such as, “Will John Book, get the murderer?” (Witness); ”Will the Germans get away with the massacre?” (The African Queen); “Will Martin catch the shark?” (Jaws).

Once it is raised, everything that happens in the story relates to that question. Most often, the central question is answered, “yes” in the climax of the story. “Will John Book, get the murderer?” Yes. Will the Germans get away with the massacre?” Yes. “Will Martin catch the shark?” Yes. But we don’t learn the answers until the end, although we might guess along the way. Once the central question has been asked, the set-up is complete. The story is now ready to unfold.