By: Carla Trueheart
Hello, writers! April's Q&A discusses the Inciting Incident in your story: What is it? Where should it be placed? We hope you'll find the questions and answers helpful, and please let us know any other questions you might have. Happy Writing!
Q: What is The Inciting Incident?
A: The Inciting Incident is the moment in a story when the protagonist is thrust into action by a turn of events. This event is usually a drastic and dramatic shake-up of the status quo, and is something they cannot ignore or turn away from. It serves as the lift-off point in the story, sending the plot into motion.
Q: Where should the Inciting Incident be placed in a story?
A: As soon as possible, depending on genre. In YA fiction, for example, the Inciting Incident will usually take place in the first chapter, after an introduction to the protagonist showing him or her in their natural, ordinary world. In mystery writing, a dead body usually opens the story and serves as the Inciting Incident. Other genres differ slightly, but in general, writers should set the plot in motion early on, after the readers build sympathy for a character, or at least after they know what’s going on in their current life—what’s missing or what might shake them up.
Q: Why is it important?
A: The Inciting Incident is important because it sets the plot in motion and launches the story. Characters should want something and have clear motives for a reader to really identify with them and root for them. If the Inciting Incident is missing, chances are the story will suffer from lack of spark and lack of character goal. Good or bad, the event that serves as the Inciting Incident should stir the pot and trigger character movement.
Q: How can I spot the Inciting Incident in my favorite stories?
A: In most cases, the Inciting Incident will be at the beginning of a story, shortly after an introduction to the protagonist or main characters. You will know when you read it because the story will move from an ordinary, everyday setting to a new setting or new problem within the characters’ current setting.
Q: What are some examples of an Inciting Incident?
A: In the Harry Potter series, the story opens with Harry in his ordinary (albeit unpleasant) daily life. The Inciting Incident occurs when Harry gets his letter to Hogwarts and learns he’s a wizard.
In The Hunger Games, the story opens with Katniss Everdeen in her ordinary (and also unpleasant) world. Her sister’s name is chosen for The Hunger Games, and when Katniss volunteers to take her sister’s place, she is thrust into a new setting and a dangerous situation she cannot turn away from.
In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy is sent over the rainbow to the land of Oz after hitting her head during a tornado storm on the farm. Before this Inciting Incident, we learn that Dorothy feels like she wants to see new places, travel away from her farm.
In Star Wars, Luke Skywalker follows Obi-Wan and learns the ways of the force after the Empire murders his aunt and uncle. Prior to this, we witness Luke in his ordinary world, gazing up at the sunset, seeking a change.
Q: How can I add an Inciting Incident to my own story?
A: If you plot in advance, set up a story (weaving in backstory if need be) and set the characters, tone, and mood in the opening paragraphs. Then decide if you want the protagonist to act or be acted upon—basically do they volunteer for a dangerous game like Katniss or are they hit on the head and sent to another world like Dorothy? If you are a “pantser” type of writer, be aware of the opening of the story and your page count. Set the Inciting Incident as close as you can to the beginning, while remembering that readers will like to get to know your protagonist a bit first. Think about character motives, goals, age, emotional state, and their setting.
Q: What are some other names for the Inciting Incident?
A: Other names might include The Catalyst, The Significant Event, The Opening Event, The Trigger, or The Point of No Return.
As always, please let us know in the comments below if you have any other questions!
