My writing group and I often go back and forth about questions like these Ad nauseam. Like for example your #7 Why should we loathe the villain?
Well, what if the villain is not so loathable? Does he have redeeming qualities? Can he be redeemed in the final chapter or will he show his/her true colors?
Best to you,
Joe
Check out my own writings @joe.nobel
You can take me, but you cannot take my bunghole.... For I have no bunghole....
Understand that these principles are never black and white. Inside the story we can contain gradations. I believe that is what you are referring to.
Yes, exactly!
Remember these words. Good stories make you think. Great stories make you feel.