The inciting incident is a crucial element in storytelling that sets the main plot in motion. It’s the event that disrupts the protagonist’s normal life and propels them into the story’s central conflict. In Aaron Lamb’s latest novel that inciting incident is the arrival of extra-terrestrials on earth. Here are five tips to help you craft a powerful inciting incident, along with an example to illustrate these points.
1. Make it Unexpected
Your inciting incident should catch both the protagonist and the reader off guard. It should be something that breaks the routine and introduces an element of surprise or shock.
2. Ensure it’s Relevant to the Main Conflict
The inciting incident should directly relate to the story’s central conflict. It should introduce or foreshadow the main challenge your protagonist will face.
3. Create a Sense of Urgency
A good inciting incident creates a situation that demands immediate attention or action. It should make your protagonist feel that they can’t simply ignore what has happened and go back to their normal life.
4. Make it Proportional to Your Story
The scale of your inciting incident should match the scope of your story. A global catastrophe might be appropriate for an epic sci-fi novel, while a more personal event could work better for an intimate character study.
5. Show Its Impact on the Protagonist
Demonstrate how the inciting incident affects your protagonist emotionally, psychologically, or physically. This helps readers connect with the character and understand the significance of the event.
Example: “The Letter”
Let’s see these tips in action with a brief example:
Sarah had just settled into her favorite armchair, ready to enjoy her nightly cup of tea, when the doorbell rang. Puzzled by the late-night visitor, she opened the door to find a courier holding out a thick envelope.
“Urgent delivery for Sarah Thompson,” he said, handing her the package.
Sarah’s heart raced as she recognized the handwriting—it belonged to her estranged father, whom she hadn’t seen in twenty years. With trembling hands, she tore open the envelope and began to read:
“My dearest Sarah, By the time you receive this letter, I will be gone. I know I have no right to ask anything of you, but I must. Your brother, whose existence I’ve kept secret from you all these years, is in terrible danger. Only you can help him. Please, for his sake, come to Budapest immediately. All the information you need is enclosed. I’m sorry for everything. Dad”
Sarah sank to the floor, her mind reeling. In just a few sentences, her quiet life had been upended. She had a brother? Her father was dead? And now this unknown sibling needed her help?
As the shock began to wear off, Sarah felt a mix of anger, curiosity, and an undeniable pull towards action. Whatever resentment she held towards her father, she couldn’t ignore this plea. With a deep breath, she stood up and headed to her bedroom. She had a bag to pack and a flight to book.
This example demonstrates the five tips:
- It’s unexpected: Sarah receives a surprising late-night delivery.
- It’s relevant to the main conflict: The letter introduces the central mystery and mission.
- It creates urgency: Sarah’s brother is in danger, requiring immediate action.
- It’s proportional: The revelation of a secret brother fits the scope of a personal adventure story.
- It shows its impact: We see Sarah’s emotional reaction and her decision to act.
Aaron Lamb 