An example of an inciting incident in a story is a character named Lily discovering a mysterious tiny, golden key under a rock in her backyard. This discovery sparks her curiosity and sets the plot in motion as she wonders what it might unlock.

Example of an Inciting Incident: The Golden Key

Identify the event that sets the story in motion and forces the protagonist to act.

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- Writing Creative Writing Outline the Plot - Step 1: Define the Inciting Incident
- Writing Creative Writing Outline the Plot - Step 2: Plan the Rising Action
- Writing Creative Writing Outline the Plot - Step 3: Determine the Climax
- Writing Creative Writing Outline the Plot - Step 4: Falling Action and Resolution

Steps of Writing Creative Writing Short Story: Outline the Plot

Writing Creative Writing Outline the Plot - Step 1: Define the Inciting Incident

Outline the series of events that lead up to the climax, increasing in tension and complexity.

Writing Creative Writing Outline the Plot - Step 2: Plan the Rising Action

Decide on the turning point of your story, where the protagonist faces their greatest challenge.

Writing Creative Writing Outline the Plot - Step 3: Determine the Climax

Outline how the aftermath of the climax leads to a resolution of the story's main conflict.

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