The Force “awakening” has to do with the nature of the Force changing, the Force itself growing more powerful. People who have sensitivity are noticing it for the first time.

Boyega’s character is the central hero, the “new Luke” as it were. This tremor in the Force makes him realize that he’s Force sensitive.

Luke has trained some Jedi since Endor, but chose to hide away after an unknown event post-ROTJ caused him concern over using the full breadth of his power. People think he’s a little whacky, but he’s sort of pulling an Obi-Wan—pretending to prevent people from seeking him out. He doesn’t want Jedi to have a role in government.

Han and Leia are married. Daisy Ridley’s character was raised in secret to prevent her from being noticed by the current government and traitors. This seems to make it more likely that she’s Han and Leia’s daughter.

Adam Driver’s character is the leader of Red Squadron and shows an unfortunate interest in Sith lore.

Oscar Isaac’s character runs the Blue Squadron, and his last name is Darklighter. (Biggs’ nephew?)

No EU characters are used, but elements from the EU universe do come into play.

BOBA FETT IS NOT DEAD. AW YEAH, TAKE THAT. GAVE THE SARLACC INDIGESTION.

The Inquisitors are a part of this era, meaning that a specific body has decided to put them into play, ostensibly as they are being used in Star Wars Rebels. (To hunt down and destroy Jedi/Force-users?) Which is very interesting.

Andy Serkis’ character is a species we’ve never seen before.

Domhnall Gleeson’s character is an Imperial Officer who defected to the Republic. Which indicates that both the Empire and Republic exist in this universe, and are likely fighting for supremacy?