While some might argue that elements of the buildup - such as Harry receiving his first letter - could be called “inciting incidents,” this is the scene where Harry truly begins his journey. This incident perfectly exemplifies the features outlined above: it completely absorbs the reader, sets the main plot in motion, and involves a pretty major revelation for Harry. Suddenly, all the strange occurrences leading up to this scene make sense: Harry somehow getting up onto his school roof, making the glass disappear at the zoo, and of course, his uncle’s refusal to let him read any of his letters. One of the most famed catalysts (and indeed best moments) in all of literature is Hagrid revealing to Harry Potter that he’s a wizard. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, p. "A wizard, o' course," said Hagrid, sitting back down on the sofa, which groaned and sank even lower, "an' a thumpin' good'un, I'd say, once yeh've been trained up a bit.” "Harry - yer a wizard." "A what?" gasped Harry. Here are five famous inciting incidents to illustrate how they function in a story.Ĭlick to tweet! Inciting Incident Examples 1. Fortunately, we have plenty of examples on hand to show what we’re talking about. Some of these ambiguities can definitely be confusing. It does create some questions, but its main purpose is to give the main character a distinctive path to follow, rather than muddling it. Īs a matter of fact, the inciting incident usually involves some kind of newfound clarity or realization for the main character. Myth #3: The inciting incident raises more questions than it answers. Sometimes they overlap, but the incident tends to require more exposition than a hook - so don’t start thinking they’re synonymous. The inciting incident catalyzes the plot and solidifies that attention. The hook is a dramatic description or opening scene that first catches the reader’s attention. There may be some backstory or buildup before this, such as a conversation or scene leading up to it - but that doesn’t change its role in the story! Myth #2: The inciting incident is exactly the same as the “hook.” You’ll recognize the inciting incident as the event that triggers the primary action, rather than simply the first event to occur. Myth #1: The inciting incident is always the first thing to happen. That being said, there are a few very common misconceptions surrounding inciting incidents - so let’s do a bit of mythbusting.
Click to tweet! 3 Inciting Incidence Myths
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