Episode at a glance:

[01:58]  There are 3 core elements you want in your story’s First Act. These are organizing principles, and they set every act that follows in motion.

[03:14] We’ll start with the inciting incident because that’s your main character’s first brush with the story’s conflict. We’ll explore what an inciting incident is and why it’s essential to kick off your story.

[05:58] What’s a plot point, and how does it differ  from your inciting incident? Often the two are conflated and lead to characters to whom things just happen. And that’s pretty boring. Learn the crucial but subtle difference, with examples of both.

[09:18] Now that you have your inciting incident and first plot point dialed in, it’s time to circle back to your set up. Your inciting incident and first plot point signal a change, but your set up lets us know what your protagonist is changing from.

[11:28] Now it’s time to look at where your inciting incident and first plot point are placed in your first Act, and how it leads into Act 2. 

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Links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 173: How To Write A Captivating Opening Hook

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

The Mars Room by Rachel Kushner

Promising Young Woman

 

 

 

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