The characteristics of soot near the soot inception point for an ethene-air flame was carried out in a WSR (well-stirred reactor). The new sampling tool like the temperature controlled filter system was introduced to minimize the condensation during sampling. The new analysis tools applied include the real time size distribution analysis with the Nano-DMA, particle size by transmission electron microscopy, C/H analysis, g filter analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis using both non-oxidative and oxidative pyrolysis. The WSR can generate young soot particles that can be collected and examined to gain insight into inception. For the current conditions, soot does not form for ${Phi}$=1.9, inception occurs at or before ${Phi}$=2.0, and inception combined with soot surface growth and/or coagulation occurs for ${Phi}$=2.1. The filter samples for ${Phi}$=1.9 are composed of volatile compounds that evolve at relatively low temperatures when heated in the presence or absence of O$_2$. The samples collected from the WSR at ${Phi}$=2.0 and ${Phi}$=2.1 are precursor-like in morphology and size. They have higher C/H ratios and lower organic percentages than precursor particles, but they are clearly not fully carbonized soot. The WSR PAH distribution is similar to that in young soot from inverse flames.