The plot is what happens in the story. Having a solid plot is essential to a great story. Nobody wants to read a book where nothing happens.
Every good story needs good characters. Sometimes people will fall in love with a tale with compelling characters even if the plot isn’t the greatest.
Changing a story’s point of view can have enormous implications for the plot and theme. Most books use either the third or first person
Will the story be told by someone who was there, watching events, or will it be told by someone as the events unfold? Will your narrator be reliable?