When does the conflict of a fictional story usually present itself?

The conflict in a fictional story usually presents itself relatively early, ideally within the first few pages or chapters. The exact timing depends on the genre and the author's style, but delaying it too long risks losing the reader's interest.

While the *inciting incident*—the event that sets the plot in motion—might be even sooner, the core conflict, the central problem the protagonist must overcome, needs to be established early enough to provide a clear direction and purpose for the story. Delaying it too long can make the story feel meandering and directionless.