Final answer:
The first event that occurs in the life of the main character, setting the story's main conflict into motion, is known as the inciting incident. It is crucial for the development of the plot and can occur either within the narrative or be part of its backstory, influencing the trajectory of the story and the protagonist's actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The event that occurs first in the life of the main character is typically referred to as the inciting incident. This is a crucial plot element that sets the story's main conflict into motion. Without the inciting incident, there would be no story to tell, as all would be resolved from the outset. In literature, identifying the inciting incident requires an understanding of the main conflict, as it is this event that triggers the ensuing struggle or journey that the characters face. An example of an inciting incident might include a character making a fateful decision or experiencing something that disrupts their normal life, propelling them into the narrative's central conflict.
However, it is important to remember that the inciting incident can take place before the events of the narrative begin, in which case it is presented through backstory or exposition. In other words, the inciting incident doesn't always occur on page one, but its effects are felt throughout the story, influencing the characters' actions, decisions, and the plot's trajectory. As the narrative unfolds, the characters move through stages such as the rising action, where challenges escalate, leading to the climax, where conflicts come to a head. In most stories, the inciting incident is a pivotal moment that significantly changes the protagonist's life or situation.