What is inciting cause?

In literary theory, the inciting cause or incident is the event that sets the plot in motion. It is the catalyst for the protagonist's journey and the subsequent series of events that make up the story. The inciting cause is typically a significant and transformative moment in the protagonist's life, driving them to take action and face the challenges that lie ahead.

Here are some common examples of inciting causes in literature:

- In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the inciting cause is the first meeting between the two main characters at a Capulet ball. This fateful encounter sets in motion their ill-fated romance and the tragic events that follow.

- In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, the inciting cause is the discovery of the One Ring by Bilbo Baggins. This event draws him and the Fellowship of the Ring into a quest to destroy the ring and save Middle-earth from the evil of Sauron.

- In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, the inciting cause is the trial of Tom Robinson, an African American man falsely accused of raping a white woman. The trial exposes the deeply rooted racial prejudices in the town of Maycomb and drives the young protagonist, Atticus Finch, to defend Robinson and fight for justice.

The inciting cause is an essential element in storytelling as it sets the stage for the conflict, character development, and resolution that drive the narrative forward. It provides the impetus for the protagonist to embark on their journey and grapple with the challenges and obstacles they encounter along the way.