3-Act Structure

In your own words, summarize each act of the three act structure and explain what it's role in the story is.

Act 1: Set up

Act one refers to the basic introduction of the story. Here, the main characters are introduced, as well as the environment and the overall reality of the setting. The point in time the story takes place needs to be clear during this first act. This opens up space for creativity of the filmmaker. No matter how odd the setting created in the act 1 is, it is usually accepted by the audience. Act one also acts as a hook for the entire movie; it must make the audience excited for what is to come.

Act 2: Confrontation

This act is the longest, and it is placed in between the introductory acts and the climax of the storyline. Although there are no more elements in the story to introduce, the filmmaker must keep the story moving forward. On may use a subplot --a minor story layered under the main narrative-- in order to add a three-dimensional aspect to the characters despite it not being directly relevant to the main plot. Some foreshadowing that leads to the climax may be done here as well. An action defined as a midpoint is important to be included in the second act to make the goal of the film clear to the audience.

Act 3: Resolution

The resolution is the final act of the film that is followed by the denouement. The climax or conflict must be settled during this act, and falling action will happen in a short amount of time. The writer must "tie up loose ends" by this act in order to keep the audience satisfied. There should not be any unintentional confusion left at the end of the film.