Script Notes, Explained!: THE INCITING INCIDENT

Creating a goal for your character is the first step in driving the narrative forward, as it gives them a clear motivation that shapes their actions, decisions, and development throughout the story.

​SCRIPT NOTES, EXPLAINED!

​With Script Notes, EXPLAINED!, The Professional Pen is here to guide you through the most common script notes and show you exactly how to make them work in your script. Whether it’s exploring conflict, tightening up pacing, or creating character arcs, we break down these notes into easy steps. Plus, we’ll take cues from some iconic movies and shows, giving you examples of how similar techniques come to life in top scripts.
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THE NOTE

Have you ever received feedback like this?

🟢 Tone setting is missing
🟢 Protagonist's goal is vague
🟢 Insufficient urgency
🟢 There is no inciting incident
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What is the Inciting Incident?

In every great screenplay, there is a moment that throws the main character's world upside down and propels them into the central conflict. This moment, known as the inciting incident, is what launches the story into action. However, in today's world, people's attention spans are shorter than ever and if you want anyone to read your script, you must capture their attention. To do this, you must include certain elements.

The inciting incident must achieve a few things in order to function properly:

🟢 Introduce a central conflict
🟢 Raise the stakes
🟢 Set the tone
🟢 Creates a goal for the protagonist to achieve
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SEE THE SCRIPT NOTE IN ACTION USING WALL-E!

WALL-E follows a waste collecting robot on a now trashed Earth, who embarks on an unexpected journey across space after discovering a small plant, leading him to play a key role in humanity's return to a habitable Earth and finding love with a fellow robot named Eve. The incident that kicks off the story occurs when Eve, a sleek, advanced robot, is sent to Earth to collect a plant that WALL-E coincidentally just found. Wall-E is immediately captivated by her, following her around everywhere. When WALL-E presents Eve with the small plant he’s discovered, it triggers her programmed response to collect the sample, during which she locks down. This marks a significant emotional shift for WALL-E, who now has a purpose beyond his usual tasks: to protect Eve and watch over her.

​This scene throws Wall-E out of his day-to-day life and introduces a purpose for the character.

Click below to watch the inciting incident in the movie WALL-E.

Our objective is further established when Wall-E gifts Eve the plant.

WHAT WALL-E DID RIGHT

🟢​ It establishes a goal: For WALL-E, his already established need is to escape loneliness. The introduction of Eve creates a specific goal for him to achieve; his goal is now to protect Eve. This goal is what makes him an active character in the 2nd act of the film.
🟢 It starts early in the script: WALL-E moves quickly and introduces Eve on page 9, concluding the inciting incident on page 18. Utilize your time well! It is crucial to set up your inciting incident around the first 15 pages, or most readers, executives, etc., will discontinue the read.
🟢 It’s emotionally driven: The inciting incident is not just about advancing the plot; it’s deeply tied to Wall-E’s emotional arc. The inciting incident should create an emotional connection with the audience that has been set up in the pages preceding the inciting incident. The moment Eve arrives doesn’t just advance the plot; it fulfills Wall-E's desire for companionship. When writing your inciting incident, make sure you give it depth by including an emotional element connected to your protagonist's needs.
🟢 It introduces the central conflict: Wall-E’s main conflict is losing Eve, but the story also introduces a second conflict, reinhabiting Earth. The viewer/reader must understand what is at stake, or they will get bored quickly, which ultimately means they aren't invested. Without the inciting incident, the viewer is just watching a character go through their day-to-day life, which isn't interesting or entertaining.
🟢 It sets the tone: The inciting incident establishes the balance of heartwarming emotion and high-stakes adventure in WALL-E. Those reading your script want to understand what kind of story this is. Viewers want some expectation for what kind of ride they are about to go on. The first few pages of your script set up the world and the inciting incident seals the tone.
🟢 Raise the stakes immediately: The inciting incident should establish what’s at risk for the protagonist. Wall-E’s entire existence changes when he meets Eve, who is suddenly taken away. The viewer wants, just as much as Wall-E does, to see him get her back. When writing, keep in mind that in order for the audience to care about the protagonist reaching their goal, it must be clear what they may lose or gain if they don't. Create a scenario the audience MUST resolve.

By identifying the core impact of your inciting incident and amplifying it, you can bring your script to an entirely new level. Intensifying the stakes and consequences of this pivotal moment will push your characters into heightened conflict, deeper emotional arcs, and more dynamic storytelling. Also, be sure to remember to introduce it early, (around the 15-page mark) and give it depth. Your inciting incident is the heart of your story. 

Your turn:

We want to know more about your thoughts! Did our tips help? What do you think is the most essential element of a plot? How do YOU propel your story into action? What are some of your favorite examples?
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​Good luck, and stay tuned for more script tips!

LEARN MORE About the Inciting incident Here: ​👇🏾

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AUTHOR

​Matthew Jensen, originally from Massachusetts, is an undergraduate student at the University of Southern California. After transferring from Santa Monica College, where he studied film and music, he shifted to communications to align with his passion for storytelling and media strategy. Following his internship at Eastlake Studios, Matthew expanded his skills as a freelance composer and now works as a Sync musician independently in addition to working as a Marketing Intern for The Professional Pen, combining his creative and strategic talents.