Here's why:
* The curse is the catalyst: The Witch of the Waste curses Sophie, transforming her into an old woman, which sets the entire story in motion.
* The curse defines Sophie's journey: Sophie's quest to break the curse becomes her primary goal. She embarks on a journey, meets new people, and learns valuable lessons along the way.
* The curse impacts the entire story: The curse affects not only Sophie but also those around her, particularly Howl. It creates conflict, tension, and ultimately leads to their eventual connection.
While other challenges and themes exist, like war, prejudice, and self-acceptance, Sophie's curse is the central problem that propels the narrative and shapes the characters' development.