the practice of beginning an epic or other narrative by plunging
into a crucial situation that is part of a related chain of events.
01 Chase Scene: On the run from the cops, or maybe you are the cops. However it works, someone's trying to get away, and someone else doesn't want 'em to. Also good for zombies, dinosaurs, and disaster movies.
02 Gambling: Strangers of all stripes can run into each other at the roulette wheel or poker table, whether it's a classy casino in Monaco or an illegal dice game in a Gotham alleyway.
03 A Formal Affair: Maybe it's an elegant dinner or maybe it's an over-the-top post-Oscar bash, but you're at a party where no expense was spared. Obviously someone is going to start a scene. Maybe it's you.
04 In Flagrante: This isn't what you think! Or maybe it is. Either way, someone got caught in the act. (This doesn't have to be NSFW; there are lots of embarrassing things you can get caught doing with your pants on.)
05 Lost: I thought you printed the directions! Whether in an unfamiliar city or in the middle of nowhere, you are lost. Maybe the other character's lost with you, or maybe they can give you some guidance.
06 Fight Scene: Bars, battles, barbarians - the punches or bullets are flying, and you're in the middle of it. Will you escape with your roguish good looks intact? Will you escape at all?
07 Close Quarters: "Handcuffed together" is a classic. Or you can be stuck with each other in a jail cell, hospital room, airplane seat, or other tight spot.
08 Mistaken Identity: There's been a mix-up! Whether by design (yours or someone else's), or by some wacky accident, you've been mistaken for someone else. How to clear this up?
09 Cliffhanger: Literally, someone's dangling in midair. Will the other party offer assistance or just point and laugh? Or are you both (heh heh) hanging out together?
10 Roll Your Own: Ice skating rink, pirates, picnic lunch raided by giant radioactive ants...? Look, I can't think of everything.