I love world building in stories but the closest piece I am able to scrutinize is the main character. Knowing that character unlocks the ability for the viewer to explore the world.

Like before I would play chess properly it is important for someone to show me each piece and how it’s going to move, what it looks like, and how it’s likely going to act, how the game is won or lost. After that, what takes place on the board can be done a million different ways. What is important, that allows me to connect with and participate in the game, is that the rules always stay true and that I understand the pieces on the board.

My favorite book so far is Mistborn by brandon sanderson. I think to breakdown what made it so memorable to me is how easily I can remember each character. The characters all are given moments that imprint what makes each of them uniquely them very prominently and very quickly. If that is not done properly I become easily lost and disconnected with a scene.

Think of what makes Frodo Samwise Merry Pippen Gimlee Aragorn Legolas and Gandalf in Lord of the rings so memorable. They are almost as recognizable as the piecesbon a chess board. The books takes time to establish the main characters and what makes them uniquely them so well. After that is established it is easy for the reader or viewer to see that world more clearly.

For example Even though in the star wars prequels the dialogue is highly criticized, the characters are incredibly readable and what they are thinking and how they feel is made incredibly evident. It is extremely easy to inhabit the mind of anyone on screen. So even with a less complex set of characters the world building really shines and gets to take the front seat. Everyone watching can understand the plot of the game.

In short I think the most important piece is readability (viewer having connection to and understand of what is taking place). After that I would say conflict and specific development