What term describes the moment that provokes the main conflict in a narrative?

The term "Inciting Incident" refers to the pivotal moment in a narrative that ignites the primary conflict, setting the story in motion. It serves as a catalyst that alters the protagonist's course, introducing the stakes and challenges that will unfold throughout the narrative. This moment hooks the reader's interest and often leads to the challenges the characters will confront, essentially marking the transition from the story's setup to the central conflict.

Understanding the inciting incident is crucial because it establishes the motivation for the characters' actions and the trajectory of the plot. It is the point where the dynamic tension begins, propelling the narrative forward and engaging the audience in the characters' struggles, thereby creating an emotional investment in the outcome of the story.