The ‘Catch’ in an Inciting Incident

Just as our protagonist’s ‘catch’ want is destined to fail, so to is a child catching a bubble.

Writing theory is a buffet of choice and should be treated as such!

I recently heard about Jill Chamberlain’s Nutshell Technique. There’s plenty of interesting facets to it and overall is quite good at getting the nutshell of an idea ‘there’, but the part that intrigued me most was the catch in her structure.

What’s the catch?

‘The Catch’ is your protagonist getting their opening want. So rather than the protagonist getting their over arching want, it’s an opening goal which pertains to their flaw. They get what they want… but it’s nowhere really as good as they hoped.

For example, let’s say Carl wants to earn more money at his job, he’s sick of going unnoticed. But he can’t build up the courage to ask for a raise because ultimately he hates confrontation. Instead he searches endlessly for other jobs where he can earn more money. Just as he’s at his wit’s end, and his work quality has slipped somewhat, the ‘best’ job comes available.

It’s better money than his current job.He’s qualified.He nails the interview — convincing the interview panel of his dedication to the job.

And here’s the catch…

He rocks up for his first day to find that his new boss is the Devil himself. He now works at Hell inc. He’s just sold his soul…

Catch in context

The idea above isn’t too exciting just yet. It’s a good idea of a switch up, and it may have nothing to do with the larger story itself too.

But it’s interesting during the start.

Sometimes it’s so easy to get caught up in our book’s large idea we forget that the scenes and chapters also have to be interesting on their own.

In Carl’s case, the reason why he wanted to earn more money is never discussed. Maybe he had a sick partner, parent, friend? Maybe he had debts to cover? The deal with the Devil becomes just another conflict that he has to deal with in his adventure of misfortune that will ultimately lead him to overcoming his fear of confrontation. Maybe…

This is the thing with story. We can tell any story that comes to mind. The problem with ‘anything stories’, and low stakes goals and wants, is that it leads to lackluster stories. Ultimately what we crave in a story is substance. The deeper glimpse at the character’s person.

Why the catch is important

Which is why the catch is important, it pertains to their flaw. They get a win, but ultimately there’s a cost. They traded an opportunity at a bigger win for an easy one.

Carl got the perfect job… with the devil. Rather than stand up for himself at his current job and earn what he’s owed. Not always possible in the real world, but stories of hope foster belief in our own lives.

Catches and hooks in books become memorable moments for us to recognise in our own lives.

The opportunity for a character to be better isn’t just for the character, as humans, it’s also for us too.

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