1. people who provoke or initiate an action, especially trouble or conflict
Usage: plural form of instigator

Examples

• The police identified the instigators of the riot.
• School officials suspended the instigators of the food fight.
• The instigators spread rumors to create division among the workers.
• Community leaders worked to calm tensions after the instigators left town.
• The instigators were banned from future political rallies.
• Parents complained that certain students were instigators of classroom disruption.