provoker

No one remembers a laugh provoker, while even third rate "serious" actors win posthumous praise!

He thought of the actor's wife and two babies, especially the one who was his father's "tear provoker."

Nay, now I have caught you; there was neither inviter, nor provoker, for I was all alone.

One of these venerable first principles is that mystery is the arch provoker.

Smoked halibut by any other designation would be a thirst-provoker just the same.