What should be on the first page of your novel?

At a writing conference I attended, editor Alyson Heller spoke on this topic. Here are some things she looks for in the beginning of a novel:

*Not bogged down with info-dumping

*There needs to be emotion right away

*Needs to see why the character is feeling the emotion

*Have a sense of the character right away (personality, voice, etc)

*At least a hint of what the main character wants

*A consistent tone

Alyson Heller asked us: What do you want readers to know about your character right off the bat?

And whatever your answer is, make sure it’s on the first page!