Character Is Destiny
Egri's central argument is deceptively simple: character determines story. Not plot. Not circumstance. Not surprise. Character. A man who is fundamentally incapable of change will create a tragedy. A man who overcomes his limitations will create a comedy. The writer's job is to know the character before knowing the story.
The Premise
Every great story has a premise — a statement about human behavior that the story proves. Romeo and Juliet: great love defies even death. The Great Gatsby: wealth cannot buy happiness. Your story must have a premise, or it has no reason to exist.