Inciting Incident Examples

Inciting incidents kick off the main action in stories, shaping characters and themes. These moments create urgency and set the tone, guiding the audience into the narrative. Here are some powerful examples that illustrate this crucial storytelling element.

1. The murder of Bruce Wayne's parents in "Batman Begins"

   • Establishes Bruce Wayne's motivation for becoming Batman.
   • Introduces the theme of loss and trauma that drives the character.
   • Sets the tone for the dark and gritty nature of Gotham City.

2. The arrival of the letter from Hogwarts in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone"

   • Marks the beginning of Harry's journey into the wizarding world.
   • Highlights Harry's transition from an ordinary life to one filled with magic and adventure.
   • Introduces key characters and the concept of destiny in Harry's life.

3. The attack on the Rebel ship in "Star Wars: A New Hope"

   • Initiates the central conflict of the film between the Empire and the Rebels.
   • Introduces Princess Leia as a key character and her role in the Rebellion.
   • Sets the stage for Luke Skywalker's journey and the call to adventure.

4. The car accident in "Whiplash"

   • Serves as a catalyst for Andrew's intense drive to succeed as a drummer.
   • Highlights the theme of ambition and the sacrifices made for greatness.
   • Establishes the high stakes of Andrew's relationship with his mentor, Fletcher.

5. The discovery of the monolith in "2001: A Space Odyssey"

   • Represents a pivotal moment in human evolution and the quest for knowledge.
   • Sparks curiosity and exploration, leading to significant developments in the story.
   • Introduces the theme of technology and its impact on humanity.

6. The shark attack in "Jaws"

   • Instantly raises the stakes and creates a sense of urgency in the narrative.
   • Establishes the threat posed by the shark, driving the characters' actions.
   • Sets the tone for the horror and suspense elements of the film.

7. The tornado in "The Wizard of Oz"

   • Transports Dorothy from her mundane life in Kansas to the fantastical land of Oz.
   • Initiates her quest for self-discovery and the desire to return home.
   • Symbolizes change and the unpredictability of life.

8. The phone call from Morpheus in "The Matrix"

   • Acts as the moment of choice for Neo, leading him into the world of the Matrix.
   • Introduces the concept of reality versus illusion, a central theme of the film.
   • Sets in motion Neo's transformation into "The One."

9. The arrival of the T-800 in "The Terminator"

   • Introduces the primary antagonist and the threat to Sarah Connor's life.
   • Establishes the film's sci-fi elements and the concept of time travel.
   • Sparks the central conflict that drives the narrative forward.

10. The discovery of the ring in "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring"

    • Initiates the epic quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat Sauron.
    • Establishes the stakes for Middle-earth and the importance of the ring.
    • Introduces key characters and the theme of friendship and sacrifice.