Below is a list of basic questions to ask when reading a script. To most can be added the further question — if not, why not?

• Is the story involving, and do I want to know what happens next?
• Is the story convincing?
• Is the story ingenious enough? Does it have twists and turns? Are there sub-plots?
• Are the story and the sub-plot or plots satisfactorily resolved?
• Is there a logical structure?
• Is each element of the structure in the right place?
• In act terms, is each act of the right length?
• In rhythmic terms, is each scene the right length?
• Does each scene move the story forward?
• Does each scene have a beginning, middle and end?
• Are the time-scale and times of day logical?
• Are the characters convincing?
• Do they have individual tones of voice?
• Is it clear who the protagonist is?
• Will an audience sympathise/empathise with the characters?
• Are the characters psychologically truthful?
• Does their psychology remain consistent throughout?
• Do the tones of voice remain consistent throughout?
• Are there too many characters, or too few?
• Is the dialogue funny?
• Is the dialogue credible?
• Are the speech rhythms varied?
• Can the dialogue be easily spoken?
• Is the piece as a whole suitable for its slot and budget?
• Is it the right length?