What is an ‘inciting incident’ in a story?

Five Great Pieces of Advice to Aspiri... Writing Prompt: Revisit an old favorite

What is an ‘inciting incident’ in a story?

Q: I recently came across the term “inciting incident” in a book about fiction writing but no definition or example was given. What is the book talking about?

A: A vital part of any story is the opening lines, also known as the inciting incident. In this section of the story, we learn who the main character is, the central problem facing him, and a little about the setting.

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