Question

Where does the inciting incident occur? Why is it a crucial moment in the plot?

Using a school appropriate move, identify and explain the five plot elements.

Answer 1

The inciting incident is a crucial moment in the plot as it sets the main conflict into motion. Using the movie 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' as an example, the inciting incident occurs when Harry receives a letter from Hogwarts, revealing his true identity as a wizard and inviting him to attend the school. The five plot elements are exposition, inciting incident, rising action, climax, and falling action.

Step-by-step explanation:

The inciting incident in a plot is the event or action that sets the main conflict into motion. It usually occurs early in the story and serves as the catalyst for the rest of the plot. It is a crucial moment because it hooks the reader's attention and creates a sense of anticipation for what will happen next.

Using the movie 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' as an example:

1. Exposition: Introduces the protagonist Harry Potter, the setting of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the goal of defeating the dark wizard Lord Voldemort.
2. Inciting Incident: Occurs when Harry receives a letter from Hogwarts, revealing his true identity as a wizard and inviting him to attend the school.
3. Rising Action: Includes Harry's journey to Hogwarts, the challenges he faces along the way, and the unveiling of the mystery surrounding the Philosopher's Stone.
4. Climax: Reaches its peak when Harry and his friends confront Voldemort in an attempt to stop him from obtaining the Philosopher's Stone.
5. Falling Action: Shows the aftermath of the climax, including the resolution of the conflict and the wrapping up of loose ends.

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