4.1 Inciting incident and plot points

In screenwriting, the inciting incident and plot points are crucial elements that drive the story forward. The inciting incident disrupts the protagonist's world, setting the main conflict in motion. It occurs early, usually within the first 10-15 pages, and creates a sense of urgency.

Plot points are major events that significantly alter the story's direction. They include the first plot point at the end of Act One, the midpoint, the second plot point near the end of Act Two, and the climax. These elements maintain narrative momentum and reveal character development.

The inciting incident's role

Defining and understanding the inciting incident

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• Inciting incident occurs early in screenplay, typically within first 10-15 pages
• Disrupts protagonist's status quo and sets main story in motion
• Introduces central conflict or challenge protagonist must face throughout narrative
• Presents problem or opportunity demanding action
• Creates dramatic question engaging audience and establishing story's direction, tone, and stakes
• Serves as catalyst for character development
• Forces protagonist to make decisions revealing personality, motivations, and flaws
• Strength of inciting incident often correlates with audience's investment in story
• Creates sense of urgency or intrigue compelling viewers to continue watching
• May be series of smaller events culminating in major turning point, rather than single, discrete moment

Impact of the inciting incident on story and character

• Propels story forward by initiating protagonist's journey
• Establishes narrative momentum and audience engagement
• Reveals aspects of protagonist's character through their initial reaction
• Sets up potential character arc by highlighting areas for growth or change
• Introduces thematic elements that will be explored throughout the story
• Creates contrast between protagonist's "normal world" and the new situation
• Generates audience curiosity about how the protagonist will handle the new challenge
• Potentially introduces or hints at the antagonist or opposing forces

Key plot points in screenplays

Major plot points and their functions

• Plot points defined as major events or turning points significantly altering story direction
• First major plot point occurs around end of Act One
  • Represents protagonist's decision to fully engage with central conflict
  • Often called "point of no return" or "crossing the threshold"
• Midpoint occurs halfway through script
  • Involves significant revelation or event raising stakes
  • Potentially shifts protagonist's goals or understanding of situation
  • Examples include unexpected allies, betrayals, or discoveries
• Second major plot point near end of Act Two
  • Usually represents protagonist's lowest point or major setback
  • Sets up climax in Act Three
  • Often called "dark night of the soul" or "all is lost" moment
• Climax serves as final, most intense plot point
  • Central conflict reaches its peak and is ultimately resolved
  • Demonstrates protagonist's growth and ability to overcome challenges

Additional plot elements and considerations

• Pinch points add complexity and maintain audience engagement
  • Typically occur between major plot points
  • Introduce new obstacles or complications
• Turning points shift story direction or reveal new information
  • Can occur at various points throughout screenplay
  • Examples include unexpected twists, revelations, or character decisions
• Each plot point carefully crafted to maintain narrative momentum
• Plot points reveal character and advance thematic elements of story
• Effective plot points often incorporate elements of surprise or reversal
  • Subvert audience expectations to maintain interest and unpredictability
• Emotional impact of each plot point should escalate as story progresses
  • Builds toward climax and creates satisfying arc for audience

Plot points and story structure

Three-act structure and plot point placement

• Plot points serve as backbone of three-act structure
• Provide framework for organizing narrative and maintaining dramatic tension
• Act One introduces characters, setting, and inciting incident
  • Ends with first major plot point
• Act Two develops conflict and explores character relationships
  • Contains midpoint and second major plot point
• Act Three resolves central conflict and concludes character arcs
  • Includes climax and resolution
• Placement and intensity of plot points directly impact story's pacing
  • Create rhythm of rising and falling action keeping audience engaged
• Distance between plot points affects story's rhythm
  • Closer plot points generally create faster-paced, more intense narrative
  • More widely spaced plot points allow for deeper character exploration and thematic development

Character development and thematic exploration through plot points

• Plot points act as signposts for character development
• Often coincide with moments of significant growth, change, or revelation for protagonist and other key characters
• Protagonist's reaction to each plot point reveals character and drives story forward
• Plot points can be used to introduce or resolve subplots
  • Ensure all narrative threads woven together cohesively by screenplay's conclusion
• Thematic elements often reinforced or challenged through plot points
  • Allow for exploration of story's central ideas and messages
• Supporting characters' arcs may align with or contrast protagonist's journey at key plot points
  • Creates depth and complexity in story world

Creating compelling plot elements

Crafting effective inciting incidents

• Develop inciting incidents specific to protagonist's unique circumstances and personality
• Ensure incidents organically arise from story world and character relationships
• Create clear contrast between protagonist's normal life and new situation
• Introduce central conflict in way that immediately engages audience
• Consider both external (event-based) and internal (decision-based) inciting incidents
• Examples of effective inciting incidents:
  • Unexpected job loss leading to career change (Jerry Maguire)
  • Discovery of magical ability (Harry Potter series)
  • Arrival of a mysterious stranger (Casablanca)

Designing impactful plot points

• Craft plot points challenging protagonist in increasingly complex ways
• Force character growth, adaptation, and revelation of hidden aspects
• Ensure each plot point raises stakes and intensifies conflict
• Create sense of escalation and urgency as story progresses
• Utilize setups and payoffs to connect plot points across screenplay
• Create sense of cohesion and satisfying narrative resolution
• Experiment with timing and nature of plot points to subvert genre conventions
• Create unique, memorable story structures
• Balance external plot points (events happening to protagonist) with internal plot points (decisions made by protagonist)
• Create dynamic and layered narrative
• Consider how each plot point affects not only protagonist but also antagonist and supporting characters
• Create rich tapestry of interrelated story arcs
• Examples of impactful plot points:
  • Revelation of true identity (The Empire Strikes Back)
  • Unexpected betrayal by trusted ally (The Departed)
  • Discovery of crucial information changing entire mission (Inception)