What is an Inciting Incident — And How to Write a Great One

How to Write an Inciting Incident — a screenwriter’s guide to one of the most important story beats in the entire screenplay, including the types of inciting incidents and when they should occur.

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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Inciting Incidents
00:57 - Why the Inciting Incident Matters
02:26 - Chapter 1: What Should Happen
10:00 - Chapter 2: When It Should Happen
14:25 - Chapter 3: Filmmaking Techniques
18:45 - Takeaways

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HOW TO WRITE AN INCITING INCIDENT

Most screenplays have something that kickstarts the story, otherwise known as the inciting incident. Some stories depend on a clear and dramatic inciting incident while others can occur without the audience even realizing it. There is no right or wrong way to do it — whatever works best for your screenplay. In this video, we’re breaking down how to write an inciting incident.

WHAT IS AN INCITING INCIDENT

The inciting incident definition is quite simple — an event that sets the story in motion. It can be as big and dramatic as the shark’s first kill in Jaws, or it can be barely noticeable like characters meeting for the first time in movies like When Harry Met Sally. Either way, this event steers the course of the narrative thereafter. Writer K.M. Weiland likens it to the first domino to fall.

TYPES OF INCITING INCIDENTS

Of course, since every story is different, there are different types of inciting incidents. There is no formula to it but certain genres often employ the same story catalysts. Rom-Coms, for example, are known for the “meet-cute” where the couple meets for the first time. Horror movies will often use an initial clue that evil is present. For dramas, a personal loss or death of someone dear is a strong type of inciting incident. No matter what type you choose, it should have an irrevocable effect on the character and plot.

WHERE DOES THE INCITING INCIDENT GO?

There are always exceptions to the rule but most inciting incidents mark the halfway point in Act One. This is after we’ve met the main characters, and been familiarized with their world. If we take the basic three act structure where the story is divided into quarters, this means the inciting incident should occur roughly 12.5% into the screenplay.

These are just the basics on how to write an inciting incident. Once you know your characters and the story you’re trying to tell, it’s all a matter of finding the right beat to send them on their journey.


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"Keep Wanting You" - Kicktracks
"A Battle in the East" - Rhythm Scott
"Life's Journey Begins" - idokay
"Cosmos" - Theatre Of Delays
"Mars" - Harry Gregson-Williams
"The Conjuring" - Joseph Bishara
"The Power" - SNAP!
"Distant Worlds" - Theatre Of Delays
"Bourne Gets Well" - John Powell
"The Princess Appears" - John Williams
"Free Your Mind" - Don Davis
"Orientation #2" - John Carpenter, Alan Howarth
"War Dance (Instrumental)" - Rhythm Scott
"1986" - Angel Salazar
"Future Markets" - Jonny Greenwood
"Promenade (Tourists On The Menu)" - John Williams
"The Ellie Badge" - Michael Giacchino
"Fragments Of A Prayer" - Sarah Connolly
"Don't Lose Your Grip" - Diamonds And Ice
"Entering The Capitol" - James Newton Howard
"The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" - Tobe Hooper & Wayne Bell
"A Glowing Light, a Promise" - Makeup And Vanity Set

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