What should we know in the first ten

[nganok]

What do we know about the protag, antag, etc. There was a good post a while back - I want to revisit this subject in debate.

[TheRuleofThirds]

It's always a good idea to know in the first ten pages/minutes how your story's going to end. I'm sure IWrite will agree with me. ;)

[scripter1]

Just a quick brainstorm.
We should know / see:

The tone of the story.

Something about the protag or the antag.
Many action movies begin with the antag's opening action and then the protag is introduced reacting to it. You don't have to start with the protag.

A scene that captures our interest.
If it is a comedy then it must be funny. A drama, something dramatic. Action, something cool.

We need to have a solid idea of the protag's and the antag's character traits.
Included in this should be a hint or set up of their coming conflict through carefully crafted reveals of goals and flaws.

Some films have slow build ups, Seabiscuit being one of my favorites.
It took time to lay the foundation of all those characters but the first ten minutes clued us in as to the time period, the back drop to the story, and key story elements.

[Boo_Radley]

As stated, your first ten pages should imbue the reader with an idea of your story's tone and initial conflict. At least one major character should be introduced (doesn't necessarily have to be the lead antag or protag). It should grab the reader and make them want to read more.

This next part is my own opinion:

It should be strong, but not the best sequence of the script. Horror legend Wes Craven has stated on numerous occasions that in his horror films, he wants to blow the audience away with a great horror sequence right off the bat, something which breaks a taboo. That way the audience says to itself, "If he's showing us this in the beginning, I can't wait to see what else lies ahead." The anticipation of worse horrors to come is what reels the viewer in and keeps their eyes on the screen or, in the case of screenwriting, keeps their eyes on the page.

Unfortunately, Craven's films en toto rarely exceed his opening sequences, but at least he's got the right idea lol