The Hook - Every book should open with some kind of hook. An event has happened or will happen or is happening that changes the character's life. There are many events that can shape the book and carry the hook through the story. Let's look at one or two.
The change - The character has lost something important to them. A job, a loved one, a possession. Using this loss as a change in the opening scene, the character must come to grips with the problem and perhaps work out a plan to change the event. Their initial plan may fall apart but they are showing they want to move forward. The plan may undergo revisions or be scrapped for a new one. But the character needs to be shown they"re reacting to the change and taking action.
What if the change isn't immediate. Think of a teen starting a new school, someone facing an coming war or tragedy. The change looms and they must react to what might happen soon.
Perhaps we see the character during the moment of the change, How they act and react are what draws the reader to turn the pages.
I've just begun a story where the hero realizes a change must be made but he isn't sure of what to do. The first scene ends just as he decides where the road he needs to take will lead.
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