Three Act Screenplay

The original story structure.

Overview

Everyone knows the three act structure. It’s a beginning, middle and end. Easy right? Actually, no. A lot happens in those three acts, and novice screenwriters often get lost because there aren’t many signpost beats to guide them. The original three act concept dates all the way back to Aristotle, but the format was popularized by Syd Field in his first book, Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting. His process expanded on the paradigm by adding plot points and pinch points to help guide the screenwriter. Almost every other story structure is still, at its core, a three act structure because each story beat or event occurs in the broader context of beginning, middle and end.

Structure

  1. Act I

    Sets up the story world, the main character, and the problem they face. Raises the dramatic question: will they succeed?

  2. Act II

    Follows the hero's quest to get what they desire. Each new situation will challenge their usual methods and beliefs. Near the middle of this act, they will fail. This failure will cause them to reflect and change, and they will finally be prepared to face the antagonist head on.

  1. Act III

    Having learned more about themselves and others, the main character is ready to take on the antagonist. The outcome of this battle will answer the dramatic question posed in the Act I.