PLOT POINT 2:
Inciting Incident Components
The Inciting Incident is the big BOOM moment in a story. It introduces the conflict and sets the plot in motion.
To ensure this Plot Point is effective and compelling (and strengthens/gives shape to your Character’s Arc), it should include these 4 elements:
Hover over each element to learn a little more, then see it in action in each of the fictional characters starting on the next page.
One of the things that will kill your story in no time flat is a passive protagonist. And one of the most important places to combat this common pitfall for this to take place is in your story’s Inciting Incident. See excellent examples of Proactive Protagonists below.
The Inciting Incident is likely the place where your protagonist will solidify their Story Goal. From here on out, they are working to achieve the goal that is introduced or solidified in the Inciting Incident.
Each of the main Plot Points from this point forward ought to include the antagonist in some shape or form (whether they are physically or symbolically present). This is the protagonist’s first brush with them.
In order to drive a story’s Climax home in the most satisfying way, it needs to answer a question that is posed in this moment (the Inciting Incident). See examples with our fictional heroes.