Question

Which of the following is true about a story's inciting incident?

a. It sets the plot in motion.

b. It always occurs at the beginning of the story.

c. It is the climax of the story.

d. It typically involves a resolution of the main conflict.

Answer 1

The inciting incident is the event that sets the plot in motion by starting the main conflict. It can occur at different points within the story and is distinct from the climax, which is the peak of the story's conflict.

Step-by-step explanation:

The truth about a story's inciting incident is that it is the event that sets the plot in motion. This element of storytelling is crucial because it starts the main conflict that the characters will have to engage with throughout the story. While it is a common misconception that the inciting incident is always at the beginning of the story, this is not necessarily the case as it can occur at different points and sometimes is presented through a past event. It is important to note that the inciting incident should not be confused with the climax of the story, which is the turning point where the conflict reaches its peak and begins to resolve. In the structure of a plot, the climax follows after the rising action, not the inciting incident.