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baxter-threeactstructure

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baxter-threeactstructure

Uploaded by

valiali42
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Three-act Structure

Syd Field, author of Screenplay and The Screen Writer's Workbook, has outlined a
paradigm that most screenplays follow. A paradigm is a conceptual scheme. This
paradigm is the structure that holds screenplays together. According to Field, screenplays
follow a three-act structure, meaning the standard screenplay can be divided into three
parts: Setup, Confrontation, and Resolution.

Act I comprises the first quarter of the screenplay. (For a two hour movie, Act I would
last approximately 30 minutes.)

Act II comprises the next two quarters of the film. (For a two hour movie, Act II would
last approximately 60 minutes.)

Act III comprises the final quarter of the film. (For a two hour movie, Act III would be
the final 30 minutes.)

The "Plot Point"--According to Field, the three acts are separated by two plot points. A
plot point, often called a reversal, is an event that thrusts the plot in a new direction,
leading into a new act of the screenplay. Later screenplay gurus have built on Field's
theory by stating that Plot Point #1, which leads into Act II, is the moment when the hero
takes on the problem.

The Three-act Paradigm:

What Happens in Act I


Act I (Setup) comprises the first quarter of the screenplay. (For a two hour movie, Act I
would last approximately 30 minutes.)

Khris Baxter
Story Lab Partners
[email protected]
Exposition--The part of a story that introduces the characters, shows some of their
interrelationships, and places them within a time and place. Also introduces the main
character, the dramatic premise, and the dramatic situation.

Main character--the person in the story who has a need/objective to fulfill and whose
actions drive the story

Dramatic premise--what the story's about

Dramatic situation--the circumstances surrounding the action

Inciting Incident--an event that sets the plot of the film in motion. It occurs
approximately halfway through the first act.

What Happens in Act II


Act II (Confrontation) comprises the next two quarters of the film. (For a two hour
movie, Act II would last approximately 60 minutes.)

Obstacles--In the second act, the main character encounters obstacle after obstacle that
prevent him from achieving his dramatic need.

First Culmination--a point just before the halfway point of the film where the main
character seems close to achieving his or her goal/objective. Then, everything falls apart,
leading to the midpoint.

Midpoint--a point approximately halfway through the film where the main character
reaches his/her lowest point and seems farthest from fulfilling the dramatic need or
objective.

What Happens in Act III


Act III (Resolution) comprises the final quarter of the film. (For a two hour movie, Act
III would be the final 30 minutes.)

Climax (Second Culmination)--The point at which the plot reaches its maximum
tension and the forces in opposition confront each other at a peak of physical or
emotional action.

Denouement--The brief period of calm at the end of a film where a state of equilibrium
returns.

Khris Baxter
Story Lab Partners
[email protected]

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