3.2 Act I: Setup and Inciting Incident
2 min read•august 6, 2024
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 is the spark that ignites your story's fuse. It disrupts the 's normal life, forcing them to make a 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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- provides background information and context about the story world, characters, and their relationships
- Establishes the , 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 , 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 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 and genre of the story, whether it's a comedy, drama, thriller, or other type of narrative
- Introduces 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 , 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 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 , 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?)
Key Terms to Review (21)
Act I: Act I is the initial segment of a screenplay that establishes the world, characters, and the central conflict of the story. This act is crucial for drawing the audience in, providing essential background information, and setting up the stakes through the setup and the inciting incident. By the end of Act I, the protagonist is typically faced with a significant challenge that propels them into the main action of the narrative.
Antagonist: An antagonist is a character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and driving the narrative forward. The antagonist's motivations and actions challenge the protagonist's goals, making them crucial to the story's development. This opposition is essential for character growth and escalating tension throughout the screenplay.
Call to Adventure: The call to adventure is a narrative device that serves as the inciting moment when a character is prompted to embark on a journey, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical. It often challenges the protagonist to leave their ordinary world behind and confront the unknown, setting the stage for the central conflict of the story. This moment typically creates a sense of urgency and invites both the hero and the audience to engage with what lies ahead.
Catalyst: A catalyst is a pivotal event or moment in a story that serves to ignite the main action and propel the characters into the narrative’s central conflict. It triggers a significant change in the protagonist's life, setting them on a path of challenge and growth, and it often creates a shift in the story's dynamics. This crucial moment connects deeply with character arcs and development, as well as the roles of supporting characters, driving the plot forward and maintaining audience engagement.
Central Conflict: Central conflict is the primary struggle or challenge faced by the protagonist that drives the narrative and shapes the characters' development throughout the story. It often arises from opposing forces, whether internal (within the character) or external (between characters or circumstances), and serves as a catalyst for action, growth, and resolution. Understanding central conflict is crucial in constructing effective setups and satisfying resolutions in storytelling.
Character Introduction: Character introduction refers to the method of presenting a character to the audience in a screenplay, often done through descriptive action lines and dialogue. This crucial element establishes who the character is, their personality traits, motivations, and how they fit into the story. Properly introducing characters sets the tone for their development and helps viewers quickly connect with them, enhancing the overall narrative experience.
Choice: Choice refers to the decisions characters make that influence their journey and the story's progression. It’s a crucial element in storytelling because it defines characters' motivations, drives conflict, and shapes the narrative direction. In the early stages of a story, the choices made can establish character arcs and set the stage for the inciting incident, where characters face challenges that test their decisions and values.
Curiosity: Curiosity is a powerful emotional drive that compels individuals to seek out new information, experiences, and understanding about the world around them. In storytelling, particularly in the setup and inciting incident of a narrative, curiosity serves as a critical tool for engaging the audience by presenting unanswered questions, intriguing situations, or compelling characters. This emotional pull not only motivates characters to take action but also invites viewers to invest in the story and explore the unfolding events alongside them.
Exposition: Exposition is the process of providing background information about characters, settings, and events in a story, helping the audience understand the context in which the narrative unfolds. It is crucial for setting up the plot and can be delivered through dialogue, narration, or visual elements, serving as the foundation for the unfolding action and character motivations.
First Plot Point: The first plot point is a significant event or turning point in a story that shifts the direction of the narrative and propels the protagonist into the main conflict. This moment typically occurs at the end of Act I and serves as a catalyst, moving the story from setup into the central action. It creates a sense of urgency and raises the stakes, often revealing critical information about the characters and their goals.
Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is a literary technique used to give hints or clues about events that will occur later in the story. It helps create anticipation in the audience and sets the stage for future developments, making the eventual outcomes feel more inevitable and satisfying.
Hook: A hook is a compelling element in storytelling that grabs the audience's attention and draws them into the narrative. It can be a striking image, an intriguing question, or an unexpected event that creates curiosity and sets the tone for the story. A strong hook is essential as it lays the groundwork for the setup and inciting incident, enhances loglines, and strengthens pitches by making them memorable.
Inciting Incident: The inciting incident is a pivotal moment in a story that sets the main plot in motion by introducing the central conflict. This event typically disrupts the status quo and forces the protagonist to take action, establishing a sense of urgency and leading into the primary narrative arc.
Point of No Return: The point of no return is a critical moment in a story where the protagonist makes a significant decision or takes an action that irrevocably changes their path, committing them to face the consequences of that choice. This moment typically occurs after the setup and inciting incident, solidifying the protagonist's journey and escalating the stakes. It marks a shift from the initial exploration of the character's world to the active pursuit of their goals, often leading to conflict and character development.
Protagonist: The protagonist is the main character in a story, often facing challenges that drive the plot forward. This character typically experiences personal growth or change, making them relatable and engaging to the audience. They are usually at the center of conflict and are essential to the emotional journey of the narrative.
Stakes: Stakes refer to the consequences or outcomes that characters face as a result of their actions and decisions in a story. High stakes create tension and keep the audience engaged, as they establish what is at risk for the characters, making their journeys more compelling. Understanding stakes is essential for establishing emotional investment and driving the narrative forward.
Status Quo: The status quo refers to the existing state or condition of a situation, character, or society at a specific point in time. In storytelling, especially in the early parts of a narrative, the status quo serves as the baseline against which change is measured, highlighting what is normal for the characters before any significant events unfold. Understanding the status quo helps to clarify the stakes of the story and emphasizes the impact of the inciting incident that disrupts this established norm.
Supporting Characters: Supporting characters are individuals in a story who help to develop the main character and move the plot forward, but are not the primary focus of the narrative. They provide depth, context, and often help to highlight the protagonist's traits, motivations, and challenges. These characters can include friends, mentors, antagonists, or family members, each serving a distinct purpose in enriching the storytelling experience.
Tension: Tension refers to the mental or emotional strain that arises in storytelling, creating a sense of suspense and anticipation in the audience. It drives the narrative forward by keeping viewers engaged, as they wonder what will happen next and how characters will respond to various challenges.
Tone: Tone refers to the overall attitude or emotional quality conveyed in a piece of writing, influencing how the audience perceives the story, characters, and dialogue. It can set the mood and shape the viewer's emotional response, playing a crucial role in defining how scenes are received and understood, impacting everything from character interactions to the overall narrative structure.
World-building: World-building is the process of creating an immersive and believable universe for a story, complete with its own rules, cultures, and histories. This technique allows writers to establish a rich backdrop that enhances character development and plot progression, making the story feel more engaging and authentic. Effective world-building is essential during the setup phase of a narrative, influences genre expectations, and shapes how story elements resonate with the audience.