The Inciting Event in a Romance Story

The key event is where the protagonist actively engages with the conflict for the first time. The previous inciting event, which we discussed last week, introduced the protagonist to what will be the main conflict. I like to think of the inciting event as the moment when the protagonist brushes against the conflict. So continuing with the romance example, this engaging with the conflict might be as simple as the two leads deciding to go on a first date and begin their relationship. On the other hand, in an adventure story or the like the protagonist will make a choice that later in the second half of this beat, will pit him against the antagonistic force in some way.