Three act structure
The first act
The first act normally consists of exposition that helps set up the rest of the film, introducing the main character and other elements of the film. At some point in this act there is an inciting incident, that confronts the main character. This leads to the first plot point, which signals the end of the first act and raises the dramatic question e.g will he get the girl?
The second act
This is often referred to as rising action. it features the protagonist attempting to resolve the situation, but results in the situation becoming worse. This is because they do not yet have the skills/power/ knowledge to defeat the antagonist. To achieve this edge against the antagonism, they often require assistance from helpers/co protagonists.
The third act
this is the resolution of the plot and subplots. it also features a climax, where tensions reach an all time high and the dramatic question is answered. The protagonist reaches a new state of understanding who they are.
The first act normally consists of exposition that helps set up the rest of the film, introducing the main character and other elements of the film. At some point in this act there is an inciting incident, that confronts the main character. This leads to the first plot point, which signals the end of the first act and raises the dramatic question e.g will he get the girl?
The second act
This is often referred to as rising action. it features the protagonist attempting to resolve the situation, but results in the situation becoming worse. This is because they do not yet have the skills/power/ knowledge to defeat the antagonist. To achieve this edge against the antagonism, they often require assistance from helpers/co protagonists.
The third act
this is the resolution of the plot and subplots. it also features a climax, where tensions reach an all time high and the dramatic question is answered. The protagonist reaches a new state of understanding who they are.
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