Identifying the Element at the heart of each throughline puts a specific name on the Problem that drives that throughline in the story.

Star Wars

Overall Story Problem: Test (A trial to find out something's validity)--Rather than trusting in the design and efficiency of the Death Star, the Empire decides it must have a test run on Alderaan. This clues Princess Leia, Obi-Wan, and subsequently the Rebellion, to the terrifying nature of what they are facing. This also allows the Rebellion forces to prepare for the worst, which is the Empire's undoing. The Rebellion, on the other hand, does not fully trust their information about the Empire's secret weapon and tests its accuracy by waiting until they have the plans in their hands. Had they trusted their early reports they could have moved the base and remained out of the Empire's reach.

Main Character Problem: Test (A trial to find out something's validity)--Luke is constantly driven to test his skills--as a wannabe Jedi, as a daring doer, as a sharpshooter, and eventually as a pilot. By constantly testing himself, he gets into situations that he would have avoided if he had confidence (or trust) in himself. For example, he knew better than to go alone into the Sand people's territory; the scuffle he created at the bar could easily have been avoided; the messy breakout of the Princess was partially motivated by his testing his limits.

Impact Character Problem: Unproven (A rating of knowledge that has not been tested)--Because of his devout faith in the Force, Obi-Wan is driven by the idea that everything remains unproven--even if common sense might dictate otherwise. He finds exceptions to every generality that people mention around him. The impact of his character is to make others draw their most cherished beliefs into question, because the true nature of "the Force" is so unimaginable, yet so powerful.

Subjective Story Problem: Non-Accurate (Not within tolerances)--Obi-Wan's secrecy and misleading comments to Luke keeps their relationship off balance. Obi-Wan tries to lure Luke away with him to Alderaan. He feigns indifference when Luke wimps out. Obi-Wan warns Luke to be careful at the cantina without giving Luke a real idea of the dangers within. Obi-Wan's vagueness about the necessary "pains" associated with Luke's Jedi training (like getting zapped by the trainer robot) jostles their relationship.

We need to take a breather here! Much new material has been covered and it takes some time to assimilate. We suggest you put the book down for a while, ponder what we've just explored, have a snack, watch a program on TV, and then return once the dust has settled. If we could, we'd provide some soothing mood music right about now. Since that is a bit difficult, we'll do the next best thing--pull it all together in a simplified image.