What literary device does homer use which literally means "in the middle of things"? inciting moment in medias res inferential meaning interpreting the plot

The answer here is "in media res." This is used not only in Homer's writing but many other Greek writers of his time. 

Inciting moment is that moment in the plot that hooks your reader or audience into the story and makes them want to continue on. Inferential meaning means that you are literally trying to infer the meaning of the story you're reading. Interpreting the plot is another thing that is exactly like it sounds like: you're the person trying to figure out what is happening with the plot in a story.