Issues

Identifying the Variation of a throughline sets up the Issue of thematic concepts explored from that point of view. To show how this might work, let's look at the Issues of Star Wars.

Star Wars

Overall Story Issue: Skill (Practiced ability)--Everyone in this galaxy compares themselves to one another in terms of their skills; piloting a spacecraft, fighting their way out of tight situations, and standing up for themselves. The princess immediately evaluates her rescuers (Han, Chewbacca, and Luke) in terms of their obvious lack of skill. The entire war between the Rebellion and the Empire is a match between skills and experience. The Empire has experience in quashing upstart groups, but its skills at doing so are rusty. The Rebellion, which has far less experience, consists of great numbers of raw talent like Luke. Skill is an advantageous quality in this story.

Main Character Issue: Fantasy (Belief in something unreal)--Fantasy is an important part of Luke Skywalker's life. He has no idea what wars are like, but he wants to hear all he can about them because his fantasy is to be a hero in one. He plays with toy space ships, he is intrigued by messages from damsels in distress, and he cares more about these fantasies than about the humdrum life of farming on a desert planet. These fantasies help set him apart from the unimaginative people around him (for example his uncle), yet they also make him seem inexperienced and naive (he is almost killed in Mos Isley cantina). Fantasy is advantageous for Luke.

Impact Character Issue: Worth (A rating of usefulness or desirability)--Obi-Wan's impact forces considerations of what should be thought to have true worth (as opposed to objective value). Obi-Wan makes it clear that he believes the Force is what everyone should see as having the greatest worth in the galaxy. He backs up his opinion by using it to get himself and others out of tight jams. He also appears at first to be a nutty old hermit, but is revealed to be a person of great worth in the eyes of Princess Leia, an important leader in the Rebellion. Because Obi-Wan shows that things are seldom what they seem, his impact often causes people to reevaluate what they find of worth and what they don't. These reevaluations of worth lead to a greater understanding--especially for Luke Skywalker. Obi-Wan shows Worth to be advantageous.

Subjective Story Issue: Ability (The inherent capacity to do or be)--The most focused aspect of Luke's and Obi-Wan's relationship has to do with developing the abilities of a Jedi Knight. When Luke is either improving his own abilities or admiring Obi-Wan's, everyone sees this relationship as a positive one for both people involved. Obi-Wan's influence helps Luke see abilities which he didn't ever allow himself to see, such as the ability to leave home and join the Rebellion. Clarifying these abilities, however, would not be positive to their relationship if these two didn't also share similar desires. Fortunately for them, every time Obi-Wan uncovers a new ability, such as being able to use a light saber without looking, it makes Luke want more. These kinds of demonstrable abilities make others, such as Han Solo, see there is something good happening between this teacher and student--even if it does involve ancient religion. Ability in this relationship is advantageous.