To help me clarify the bare bones “anthem” of the story, I usually have to write a simple sentence with the OS solution in context of the issue. I discovered I do this so often (usually while procrastinating instead of writing bad stories) that I decided to make a list of all of them in a spreadsheet (link at end). I use this list to consider options for what to write about–not subject matter, plots, or characters but basic anthems (for lack of a better word). It’s basically a sentence version of the dramatica chart since my mind works better with a sentence than a chart. You may find it useful for staring at it like a restaurant menu. “Ooh, I’ll write about that! That anthem looks like it hasn’t been done to death!”
The wording is: At the climax, the change character and the protagonist need to engage in (OS solution) regarding (OS issue) and (OS counterpoint).
This oversimplified wording assumes success/good and that OS success is what I’m advocating (i.e. that the story does not have a protagonist pursuing an unpleasant goal like Nightcrawler, etc). It doesn’t assume MC = protagonist nor does it assume MC is change.
Applied to Star Wars: At the climax, the change character and the protagonist need to engage in trust regarding skill and experience.
Applied to Princess Bride: At the climax, the change character and the protagonist need to engage in re-evaluation regarding deficiency and permission.