Everything you need to know about the catalyst of your novel

If your novel is a calm ocean, the catalyst is the vengeful sea wraith exploding from the watery depths. It's an unexpected event that stirs the serene waters and propels your protagonist into the heart of the story. The catalyst, also known as the inciting incident, typically lands in Act One, accounting for around 5% of your novel's word count. So, let's consider what you need to know about crafting a compelling catalyst.

Laying the groundwork for the inciting incident

Before we meet the vengeful sea wraith, we need to know what's at stake for our protagonist. In other words, establish something valuable to your protagonist that the inciting incident will threaten. Is it their peaceful existence? Their hidden treasure? Their dominion over the sea? This is why they'll be compelled to react to the inciting incident.

Building up your protagonist

While we're here, let's take a moment to enhance our protagonist's allure. Develop their character depth, demonstrate their intelligence, and show their benevolent side. This could be their protective nature over the marine life, their wise understanding of the sea's mysteries, or their secret love of star-gazing. The more intriguing your protagonist, the more we'll root for them when the inciting incident occurs.

Dropping hints of the incoming catalyst

Just as the sea's currents might subtly change before a storm, start showing signs that the inciting incident is coming. It could be subtle clues or a growing sense of unease. The aim is to create a sense of anticipation and tension.

Introducing the inciting incident

And now, the moment we've all been waiting for: the inciting incident. This event drives your protagonist out of their comfort zone, whether it's the emergence of the sea wraith, a shift in their environment, or a personal loss. It must be a problem that won't resolve itself, demanding direct intervention from your protagonist.

Grabbing your reader's attention

Finally, make sure your inciting incident is gripping. It's the moment your readers should feel so invested in your protagonist's journey that they wouldn't dream of putting your book down. Your readers should already be intrigued by your protagonist, and this is the moment that cements their desire to see them prevail.

Setting sail on the journey

The catalyst of your novel is like the gust of wind that fills a ship's sails. It sets the vessel in motion for the journey ahead. It's the event that propels your protagonist – and your readers – into the heart of your story. So make sure it's a catalyst worth writing about because your ship is anchored in the harbour without it. Happy writing!

💡 Read more about the universal flow of a story from set-up to finale.