Which element of a literary adaptation should remain the same as original work?

It's tricky to say definitively which element of a literary adaptation *must* remain the same, as it largely depends on the type of adaptation and the artistic vision of the adapter. However, there are some elements that are generally considered essential to the core of the story and should be preserved, even if they are altered in form:

1. The Core Themes and Ideas: The overarching themes, messages, and ideas that the original work explores should be retained. Whether it's love, loss, redemption, or social commentary, the essence of what the author intended to convey should remain intact.

2. The Central Conflict: The core conflict that drives the story should be preserved, even if it's presented differently. This could be an internal struggle, a conflict with another character, or a conflict with society.

3. The Character Arcs: The fundamental transformations and journeys of the main characters should be respected. Their growth, motivations, and choices should reflect the spirit of the original.

4. The Setting and World: While the exact details might change, the overall setting and world should remain recognizable. The atmosphere, tone, and key elements of the original world should be preserved to maintain the story's context.

5. The Tone and Style: The overall tone and style of the original work should be maintained. For example, a comedic work should remain comedic, a tragic work should remain tragic, and a poetic work should maintain its poetic elements.

However, remember:

* Adaptations are not recreations: They are reinterpretations and can take creative liberties.

* Different mediums allow for different expressions: A novel can be adapted into a film, play, musical, or graphic novel, each medium allowing for different emphases and techniques.

* The adapter's vision: Ultimately, the success of an adaptation lies in the artistic vision of the adapter and how they choose to translate the original work.

The key is for the adapter to be faithful to the spirit of the original work while allowing for necessary changes to fit the new medium and their own creative vision.