Elements of Story

Plot: Three Act Structure

ACT ONE

Act One The Beginning The Set Up Main characters, story’s general mood is set, physical time and place established Inciting Incident Event that sets the plot of the film in motion. Approximately halfway through the first act.

Plot: Three Act Structure

ACT TWO

Act Two Establishes Conflict Main character faces obstacles that prevent them from achieving his dramatic need. Rising Action First Culmination: main character is close to achieving goal, then everything falls apart. Midpoint: halfway through where main character reaches lowest point and seems farthest from fulfilling goal Turning Point Plot peak with highest tension where opposites face off in physical or emotional action.

Plot: Three Act Structure

ACT THREE

Act Three The Resolution Conflict is resolved 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. Falling Action Action that occurs as a direct result of the turning point

Plot: Three Act Structure