Though there are probably more, these are what I would consider the fundamental elements needed to define a complete story. (At least these are the elements I need to start building a plot.) I sometimes start by first working on these elements, then jumping to (a first draft of) The Sentence once I have enough of the elements defined*, then going back and forth between the two as I refine the core of the story. I'll even revisit both of them as I work out the story's spine (the key turning point events separating the 4 acts.)

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Plot Elements

We tend to look at "things" as discrete objects possessing attributes. But, in the end, whether a character has blond or brown hair and whether they like chocolate or vanilla ice cream is really neither important nor interesting. Details, without context, are meaningless. The same thing is true of stories. Events, without purpose, are equally meaningless. What really defines and makes any "thing" interesting is how it relates to other things.

Plot

These relationships, however, are not static. They change. It is this process of change that we call a plot. How they change (specifically the conflict and uncertainty they create while in the process of changing) is what makes the plot interesting. Below are what I consider (subject to change :) the fundamental elements whose changes define the plot.

EXTERNAL CONSIDERATIONS**

Story Solution (Goal)
At the end, what is the one thing that can make everyone happy?

Story Problem (Motivation)
What element will change if the Solution is found?

Antagonist (Obstacle)
Who wants to prevent the Solution from being found/implemented?

Story Focus (Conflict)
How does the Antagonist's goal conflict with the MC/Other Characters (OCs) goal(s)?

The Plan (Requirements/Change)
If the story ends in success, how is the solution ultimately implemented?

The Stakes (Consequences of Failure)
What bad thing will happen if the Goal is not achieved?

Story Costs (Sacrifice)
What bad thing(s) happen(s) while striving for the Goal?

INTERNAL CONSIDERATIONS

Main Character Problem*** (Motivation)
How does this problem impact the MC's life?

Main Character Solution (Goal)
What does the MC want to accomplish to reduce/eliminate the impact?

The Lie (Obstacle)
What false belief/misconception prevents the MC/Other Characters (OCs)****  from implementing the correct solution?

Main/Other Character (Conflict)
Because of The Lie, how is/are the MC's/OC's actions causing problems for them and preventing their solution?

Main/Other Character Revelation (Growth)
What Realization does/do the MC/OCs need in order to achieve their solution?

The Truth (Main/Other Character Change)
What change in goal or approach will allow the solution to be implemented?

Main Character Stakes (Consequences)
If the solution is not implemented, what are the personal consequences?

The Choice (Costs)
What does the MC have to give up to achieve their goal?

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* For a plot driven story, the sentence usually consists of the external story elements. A heavily character driven story may require one or more elements of the internal story to be included. In that case, parts of the external story elements can sometimes be left out but the external conflict and stakes should usually be retained.

**If the story's main focus is on the MC's internal struggle, identifying the external elements can sometimes be difficult. When considering the external factors, make certain the answers include (or are relevant to) the other story characters as well--especially the antagonist. How do they get involved in the story?

*** The MC problem is a personal issue related to the overall story problem. The Lie (the source of the MC's personal problem) prevents the MC from solving the overall story problem or may even be causing it.

**** Often the MC, acting from a belief in The Lie, must discover The Truth and change their approach to achieving the story goal. The validity of The Lie and the value of The Truth is what is being tested and the MC "grows" by switching their faith in one to the other.

Sometimes, the MC already knows The Truth and must try to convince others to believe it and to change their approach. The Steadfast MC's commitment to The Truth is what is being tested and they "grow" by realizing the cost/importance of The Truth and (in the case of a successful outcome) end with a renewed commitment to it. To dedermine which your character is, ask yourself whether the MC has to learn the lesson or if his role is to teach the lesson.

Next time -- a shorter but similar list covering the Influence Character and their relationship with the MC.