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These inciting incident examples
will hopefully give you some inspiration for the inciting incident in your own story!
But first, an ‘inciting incident’ definition, for those who need it!
The inciting incident kicks the story into gear. It’s the event or choice that shakes up the main character’s normal life.
If you’re writing a novel, with the possible exception of a literary or experimental novel, you don’t want to wait too long for the inciting incident. We usually want to see it in the first or second chapter. Sometimes, we see it on page one!
1
A Death
The death of a loved one, a leader, or an enemy changes everything.
2
A Murder
This is a specific kind of death, but since it’s the inciting incident in every murder mystery, I felt like it deserved to be called out separately!
3
A Theft
4
A Discovery
of something valuable or astounding.
5
A Gift
or an inheritance.
6
A Letter
The contents could be surprising…and maybe just hearing from this person is surprising.
7
A Visit
This could be expected or unexpected. In my romcom novel Her Time Traveling Duke, his appearance is very unexpected!
8
An Attack
It can be an assault, or a military operation.
9
An Invitation
For example, it could be an invitation to dance with someone, go to brunch, or join a crime syndicate.
10
A Proposal
It could be a business proposal, or a wedding proposal.
11
A Purchase
12
Getting a Job
This could include things being hired to carry out a heist or landing a role in a play.
13
Losing a Job
I like this one because it’s so relatable; most people have had the experience of either losing a job or being afraid of losing it.
14
An Accident
15
A Mission
16
A Natural Disaster
17
A Supernatural Occurrence
By the way, you probably noticed that not all of these inciting incident ideas are mutually exclusive. Several things on this list could have a supernatural spin!
18
An Abduction
19
An Arrest
20
A Health Crisis or Diagnosis
21
An Unexpected Bill or Debt
22
An Unexpected Responsibility
A character might have to take in their grandchild, take on a difficult client, or organize a charity gala.
23
A Breakup
This includes divorce and rifts between family members and friends.
24
A Suspicion
Something triggers a suspicion of cheating or other secret wrongdoing.
25
A Witness
Intentionally or unintentionally, someone witnesses a surprising encounter or a crime.
26
An Opportunity
Someone has a chance to win a prize, get a job, join an elite club…but they have to earn it.
27
A Favor
Someone does something nice for someone else.
28
An Injustice
Someone cheats someone else or denies them fair treatment.
29
An Item Is Lost
30
A Person or Animal Is Missing
31
A Mistaken Identity
32
A Return
Someone comes back into a character’s life after a long absence. They might have even been presumed dead.
33
A Wedding
I hope you enjoyed these inciting incident examples!
What is the inciting incident is in your book or work in progress? we’d love to hear about it in the comments section! And if you have any questions about the whole concept of the inciting incident, go ahead and ask. I will do my best to anwer!
I hope you’re having a good week…and if not, I hope some event comes along to change that. 🙂 Thanks for reading, and happy writing!
Thank you,Bryn, for the “jumpstart”! I needed it!😉😊👍
My story that I’ve been editing, the inciting incident is when “Jane” accidentally finds her driver’s license and discovers she’s really Emily. She has amnesia and was lied to by her “husband.”
In my WIP, Trisha get a phone call from her nine-year-old daughter at 10pm, who’s at her father’s for the weekend. A bang woke Hannah up and she finds her dad on the floor with blood on him, and he won’t wake up.
Oh, those both sound really good, Debby!
My jump start begins on Page 2. Hannah arrives home from volleyball camp, and the police chief reports the death of her entire family-father, mother, and younger brother. At 17 she is heir to a multi-million dollar mfg. company and a senior in high school. Thank you for all! your helps.
Hi Diane! That is such a dramatic inciting incident. Love it that it’s on page two! Thanks for reading!
My current WIP is a third in series and my characters (side characters at the time) were reunited in book two during a horrific attack. Book three begins with the victim’s experience during that attack, and then flashes to three months later with the characters—former lovers—hiding out while the victim recovers… and they are forced to deal with each other after a two year separation. So far so good?
That sounds really good, Ro!
As usual, you’ve given us an excellent list to get started or provide a plot twist. Thank you Bryn!
Hi Naomi! I’m so glad you like it. Thank you for reading!
Great list, Bryn!
In my current fantasy, a weaver feels she has been betrayed by her woven piece so she sells a magic tapestry.
That’s a good one, Jessie!
These are wonderful. I’m actually using one at the moment.
Aw YAY! I’m so glad! Hope you’re having a good week, Denise!