1.Show us something interesting about a major character (ideally the lead protagonist).

"You are so beautiful," Mary Anne murmured to her miniature rose plant.

2. Set something unusual and interesting in motion.

"You have been so beautiful," Mary Anne murmured mornfully to her miniature rose plant.

3. Establish the setting with a striking detail, ideally one that sets the mood.

Mary Anne strolled carefully among the massive collection of plants in her small  apartment,

4. Introduce an unusual relationship for the main character (with other characters, himself, his surroundings, and/or the readers).

"I wish you could save yourselves," Mary Anne said to her plants that she had cherished, treasured, talked to for years..

5.Introduce problems and/or conflicts.

The bay window still flooded the room with sunlight--for a little longer--but the new building rising next door was almost up to Mary Anne's floor.