What is an Inciting Incident? An inciting incident is the event that disrupts the protagonist's everyday life and propels them into the story's main conflict. It's a pivotal moment that ignites the plot, setting the protagonist on a new path filled with challenges and opportunities for growth.
Unlike the initial hook , which captures the reader's attention, the inciting incident is the catalyst for change, providing clarity and direction to the narrative. The inciting incident sets the stakes and creates a sense of urgency, compelling the protagonist to take action.
When Should the Inciting Incident Occur? Ideally, the inciting incident should occur early in the story arc, typically within the first 10-15% of a story. This timing ensures that the audience is quickly engaged and invested in the protagonist's journey. While some stories may introduce the inciting incident later, they often rely on foreshadowing and buildup to maintain interest until that point.
The Call to Adventure in the Hero's Journey The inciting incident can also be known as the "call to adventure" for the main character – the event that pushes the character out of their comfort zone. According to the Hero's Journey circle (first theorized by Joseph Campbell), the call to adventure is the first event of the story (after establishing the "Ordinary World") and thus the earlier it occurs, the sooner your story can begin.
The 12 Steps of the Hero's Journey theorized by Christopher Vogler
You could even make the inciting incident the opening scene of your story. Doing this will give your readers a more intense sense of anticipation and throw them into the story from the get-go.
9 Rules for Writing an Inciting Incident Create a Dramatic Change An important inciting incident should bring about a significant shift in the protagonist's life. This change can be external, such as an unexpected event or revelation, or internal, like a personal realization. For example, in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," Harry's discovery that he is a wizard is a dramatic change that sets his entire story in motion.
Involve the Protagonist Directly It's essential that the inciting incident has a direct impact on the character's life, nudging them to face new challenges or make significant decisions. Take "The Hunger Games" as an example: when Katniss volunteers as tribute, she's thrust into the heart of the conflict. This pivotal moment compels her to take decisive action and navigate the complexities ahead.
Align with Genre Conventions Tailor your inciting incident to fit the conventions of your story's genre. A mystery novel might start with a crime, while a romance could begin with an unexpected meeting. For instance, in "Murder on the Orient Express," the discovery of a body is a fitting inciting incident for a crime story.
Introduce a Clear Problem or Conflict A good inciting incident introduces a clear problem or central conflict for the protagonist to address. This problem drives the narrative forward, shaping the protagonist's goals and motivations. In "John Wick," the death of John's dog is a personal conflict that sets off the chain of events in the story.
Incorporate Hidden Elements Introduce hidden elements in the inciting incident that may not be immediately understood by the protagonist. These elements can create intrigue and lead to further revelations as the story unfolds. In "The Great Gatsby," Nick's initial meeting with Gatsby introduces hidden complexities that unravel throughout the novel.
Create Emotional Resonance Craft an inciting incident that resonates emotionally with the protagonist and the audience. This emotional connection strengthens the reader's investment in the story. "The Secret Garden" uses Mary's parents' death as an emotionally impactful inciting incident that sets her on a path of discovery and growth.
Point to the Story's Conclusion The inciting incident should hint at the story's eventual resolution, creating a sense of inevitability. This connection ensures that the narrative arc feels cohesive and satisfying. In "The Martian," being left behind on Mars foreshadows the protagonist's struggle for survival and eventual rescue.
Raise Questions for Your Audience A great inciting incident in a story is not only exciting and moves the story forward, but it should manifest questions for the audience to keep them engaged.
Some questions your story's inciting incident could raise:
What really happened? Who committed this crime and why? Why is he/she in jail now for something they didn't do, or what will happen to them now? Questions like these make good inciting incidents because then when you finally reveal who did it, later on, there's a sense of relief. You can use the inciting incident as an opportunity to pose some questions about your story without giving too much away right upfront.
But don't just rely on raising random questions! Make sure that everything you ask has relevance to other aspects of the story such as character motivation , theme , or plot twists near the end.
Create Some Sense of Urgency A ticking clock introduced by the inciting incident can create a compelling sense of urgency in your story.
When your protagonist races against time to tackle a significant issue, it generates tension that keeps readers eager to find out what happens next. To enhance this urgency, consider adding short-term stakes, like dwindling resources or financial pressures, along with critical deadlines that disrupt everyday life.
Sometimes, the disruptive event hasn’t happened yet, but the looming threat can establish a foreboding atmosphere. The audience knows that consequences could arise at any moment if action isn’t taken swiftly.
By crafting these storylines, you can elevate the impact of the inciting incident. The pressing deadline for potential loss makes it unnecessary to artificially inflate stakes. In this scenario, not only does the antagonist create conflict for the protagonist, but the element of time becomes a powerful adversary.
Different Kinds of Inciting Incidents for Different Genres Different genres call for different types of inciting incidents. In science fiction, it might be a technological breakthrough; in horror, a haunting event. Tailor your inciting incident to your genre to meet audience expectations and enhance storytelling.
Fantasy : Discovering magical abilities or entering a new world (e.g., Lucy's discovery of Narnia in "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe").Thriller : An unexpected threat or conspiracy (e.g., discovering a sinister plot in "Gone Girl").Comedy : A humorous misunderstanding or mishap (e.g., mistaken identity leading to comedic situations).Drama : A personal crisis or relationship upheaval (e.g., a family secret revealed).Examples of Effective Inciting Incidents from Famous Stories Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Inciting Incident : Harry discovers he is a wizard when Hagrid visits him.
Why it's effective : Creates a dramatic change by transforming Harry's ordinary life, involves the protagonist directly, and raises questions about his new world and abilities.
The Hunger Games Inciting Incident : Katniss volunteers to take her sister's place in the Hunger Games.
Why it's effective : Involves the protagonist directly, creates emotional resonance by showcasing her love for her sister, and introduces a clear conflict as she enters the deadly competition.
The Matrix Inciting Incident : Neo receives a mysterious message on his computer screen, leading him to meet Morpheus and learn the truth about the Matrix.
Why it's effective : Creates a dramatic change by shattering Neo's perception of reality, involves the protagonist directly as he becomes central to the unfolding conflict, raises questions about the nature of reality and his role within it, and aligns with science fiction genre conventions by introducing a hidden world and existential themes.
The Great Gatsby Inciting Incident : Nick meets Gatsby for the first time.
Why it's effective : Incorporates hidden elements as Nick gradually uncovers Gatsby's mysterious past, aligning with the genre's focus on intrigue and social issues.
Pride and Prejudice Inciting Incident : Mr. Bingley moves to town, sparking interest and social events.
Why it's effective : Aligns with genre conventions of romance and society, introduces a clear social conflict, and raises questions about potential relationships.
The Martian Inciting Incident : Mark Watney is left behind on Mars.
Why it's effective : Creates a dramatic change, introduces a clear problem of survival, and points to the story's conclusion as he fights to return to Earth.
Gone Girl Inciting Incident : Amy Dunne disappears on her anniversary.
Why it's effective : Raises questions for the audience about her fate, creates a sense of urgency in the investigation, and incorporates hidden elements that are gradually revealed.
The Wizard of Oz Inciting Incident : A tornado carries Dorothy to the Land of Oz.
Why it's effective : Creates a dramatic change, introduces a clear conflict of finding her way home, and aligns with fantasy genre conventions.
Die Hard Inciting Incident : Terrorists take over Nakatomi Plaza during a Christmas party.
Why it's effective : Creates a sense of urgency, involves the protagonist directly, and introduces a clear conflict, fitting the action-thriller genre.
Star Wars: A New Hope Inciting Incident : Luke Skywalker receives a message from Princess Leia.
Why it's effective : Raises questions about the rebellion, introduces a clear conflict against the Empire, and aligns with science fiction genre conventions.
