Introduce the plot first, or the character?

At the beginning of a story, which is more effective to introduce first? That is, in a situation where the character is passive to in comparison to the initial plot seed. Or should it begin at the point where the character and the inciting incident meet?

The second one, most probably. But it depends: Using the first option, would you use another viewpoint character? How does the character "meet" the inciting incident, specifically what type of scene it is?

For me it depends on the type of setting.

If I'm working in something that's similar to the real world (or at least supposed to look similar at first) then I'd start with something that introduces the character in an everyday scene.

If it's a fantasy or sci-fi world I'd give a brief description of the setting. Then I may even show plot-important events before showing the main character.

Honestly?

Whichever your strong point is.

It all depends on the story. Is the character the most important thing, or the plot? In either case, it may be best to figure out which one will attract the reader's attention most. I've seen both done with great effect, and as far as I can tell, there's no formula to help decide which way is best. Try both and see how they work out.

If the character is passive, then it'd probably be better to introduce the plot first. Especially if your setting is something out of fantasy or sci fi or whatever.

But if your setting is the real world, then introduce the character first.

In the end though, try to do both at the same time. It help if the plot is character-driven.

I personally like to do both, but that's not really helpful, is it?

I opened Soul with the main character moving through a city, observing how it was, and then doing what he does best, in the course of the first two chapters. It accomplished nothing except establishing that 1) this world sucks, and 2) the main character is exceptionally awesome at what he does, but is really bad at everything else...

And then the real plot starts.

edited 2nd Sep '11 9:31:48 PM by USAF713

My personal opinion is character-first, but whatever suits your fancy.

Both. Start when the character meets the plot. Don't make the plot wait for the characters, and don't make the characters wait for a plot to show up.

Doing either generally means you're starting the story too early.

edited 2nd Sep '11 11:01:46 PM by Morven

It depends on whether your plot drives your characters or your characters drive your plot.

Basically do your characters spend most of their time acting upon the story, or do they react to the story? If they spend most of their time acting, introduce them first; if they spend most of their time reacting, introduce the plot first.

Oh, that what I meant. Introduce your protagonist preferably on the first page, while being as close to the inciting incident as possible, while maintaining enough set-up so to provide some context.

And that reminds me why my prologue is in Anachronic Order compared to Chapter Zero. It's smack in the middle to where the main characters come across the plot and world in force.