Define "inciting incident" or "inciting action" in a play.

Answer 1

The "inciting incident" or "inciting action" in a play refers to the specific event or action that triggers the central conflict or sets the plot in motion. It is the moment when something significant occurs, often at the beginning of the play, which disrupts the life or situations of the characters and forces them to respond. This incident or action is crucial as it creates tension, raises questions, and propels the story forward, leading to subsequent events and developments in the play. Essentially, the inciting incident is the catalyst that drives the main events and conflicts of the play.