3.2 Act I: Setup and Inciting Incident

Act I sets the stage for your screenplay's journey. It introduces the world, characters, and conflicts that will drive the story forward. This crucial setup lays the groundwork for everything that follows, hooking the audience and building anticipation.

The inciting incident is the spark that ignites your story's fuse. It disrupts the protagonist's normal life, forcing them to make a choice that propels them into unfamiliar territory. This pivotal moment marks the transition into Act II and the heart of your screenplay's adventure.

Exposition and Setup

Establishing the Story World and Characters

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• Exposition provides background information and context about the story world, characters, and their relationships
• Establishes the status quo, the ordinary world and everyday life of the protagonist before the story begins
• Introduces the protagonist, revealing their personality, goals, flaws, and current circumstances
• Includes a hook, an intriguing or exciting event or piece of information that grabs the audience's attention and draws them into the story (a mysterious murder, a surprising revelation)

Building Interest and Anticipation

• Sets up the central conflict or problem that will drive the story, hinting at the challenges or obstacles the protagonist will face
• Foreshadows future events or plot developments, planting clues or hints that will pay off later in the story
• Establishes the tone and genre of the story, whether it's a comedy, drama, thriller, or other type of narrative
• Introduces supporting characters who will play important roles in the protagonist's journey (best friend, love interest, mentor)

Inciting Incident and Call to Action

Disrupting the Status Quo

• Inciting incident is a significant event that disrupts the protagonist's status quo and sets the story in motion
• Often involves a call to adventure, a challenge or opportunity that requires the protagonist to leave their ordinary world and embark on a journey (an invitation to a mysterious party, a plea for help from a friend)
• Forces the protagonist to make a choice or take action, pushing them out of their comfort zone and into the unknown
• Raises the stakes and creates a sense of urgency, making it clear that the protagonist cannot continue living as they have been

Propelling the Story Forward

• Marks the end of Act I and the beginning of Act II, signaling a major shift in the story's direction and the protagonist's goals
• Serves as the first plot point, a key event or decision that propels the story forward and sets up the central conflict
• Often involves the protagonist committing to a course of action or accepting a challenge, even if they are reluctant or unsure
• Raises questions and creates anticipation about how the protagonist will handle the challenges ahead and whether they will succeed or fail (Will they be able to rescue their kidnapped child? Can they infiltrate the enemy's stronghold?)