The 3 Key Questions Every Play Needs to Answer to Hook an Audience

Unlock the structure of powerful theatrical stories with insights from fairy tales and classic drama.

If you’ve ever wondered how to write a compelling play, the secret lies in asking the right questions. According to playwright and educator Ronán Noone, every successful theatrical work — from classic tragedies like Hamlet to fairy tales like Cinderella — answers three essential storytelling questions.

In this guide, we explore these fundamental elements of playwriting that will elevate your narrative, shape your characters’ motivations, and drive your plot forward with clarity and purpose.

1. Why Now?

Every story needs a reason to begin — what screenwriters often call the "inciting incident." For Cinderella, it’s the arrival of a royal invitation. For Snow White, it’s the queen’s jealousy sparked by her magical mirror. For Hamlet, it’s the ghostly revelation of murder.

This moment breaks the character’s routine and forces them into action. Identifying the "why now" moment in your play ensures that your plot has urgency and meaning.

2. What Does the Character Want?

Whether it’s Cinderella’s desire for freedom, the queen’s thirst for power, or Hamlet’s quest for revenge, every character must have a clear objective. This central dramatic goal shapes the entire story and gives the audience someone to root for — or against.

Great plays are driven by conflict, and that begins with well-defined character wants.

3. What’s Stopping Them?

Obstacles are what make a story exciting. Ronan refers to these as hurdles — barriers that stand between the character and their goal. Whether it’s a curfew, a poisoned apple, or moral hesitation, these challenges shape the narrative and keep audiences engaged.

Learning how to build and escalate dramatic tension through hurdles is one of the most vital playwriting techniques.

Bonus: How Does the Story End?

The final, often overlooked question is: How does your play end? The genre — tragedy, comedy, or romance — usually hints at this. Let your character’s journey and the tone of your story guide you toward a satisfying conclusion.

By focusing on these three key elements of dramatic storytelling, you can craft theatrical works that are powerful, purposeful, and emotionally resonant. Want to dive deeper into crafting unforgettable scripts?

👉 Join Ronán Noone in his online course on Domestika and learn how to master the art of playwriting.