The Three Act Structure

The Three Act Structure

 What is the three act structure?
The three act structure is a framework for narratives which can be seen in films, novels, plays and video games including some of the works of Shakespeare. 
  • Act one - The set up, intoduction to the characters and world of the story, inciting incident takes place.
  • Act two - The confrontation, rising action, twist at the end of the act.
  • Act three - The resolution, falling action.
  
Mapping the three act structure onto the synopsis for my film
  • Act one - Olivia introduced, set up her desire and beliefs, wants to get a job, has anxiety.
  • Act two - Olivia applies for the job, has to do a telephone interview, anxiety increases, stakes increase as her friend is applying for the same job.
  • Act three - Conflict is resolved as Olivia gets the job.

Dan Harmon's story circle
  1. Olivia is in a zone of comfort.
  2. Olivia wants a job.
  3. She enters the unfamiliar situation of applying for a job.
  4. Olivia adapts to the process and sends off her CV.
  5. Olivia gets feedback from a job she applied for.
  6. This comes with the heavy price of a telephone interview.
  7. Olivia returns to her familiar life.
  8. Olivia is more responsible and has overcome her anxieties.   
  

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