Could your world come to an end? If so, how? If magic is involved, can that be misused to damage the physical world it’s set in? In my novels, I’ve set up barren areas, made that way by having too much magic pounding them. This has a knock on effect in forcing populations to move away and into other areas, causing tensions between the different groups (the sprites are generally condemned for having an irresponsible attitude to sex and reproduction - they are at it like rabbits!).
Customs and Rebels
What are your world’s customs? What does it do/say to those who rebel or don’t follow the customs “correctly”? How does it react if someone shows up one or more of the customs as wrong? Is there a history of dissidents or have you got a character blazing the way here? Is the media controlled, directly or subtly? With FNN I have a snobby goblin, Roherum, keen to please the Queen so he’s not going to rock the boat. Could someone be placed by your authorities deliberately to manipulate matters on their behalf?
Character Traits and Desires
I like to know my characters’ main trait before I start writing. In Eileen’s case it is awkwardness taken to the nth degree. She lands others and herself right in it. Plenty of stories there I hope! I also like to know what my major characters want and to ensure there are plenty of clashes. No clash = no story. I also like to give my main villain a really powerful motive for their actions. Anything less is unconvincing. And it has to be a motive anyone can identify with - a kind of I can understand where this character is coming from approach.