Narrative Structure in Film

PlotThe selection and ordering of events explicitly shown on screen.

StoryAll of the chronological events that implicitly take place during the span of time of the plot.

Most film narratives are goal-oriented.

The protagonist’s pursuit of a goal determines the narrative structure.

The villian’s goal may also drive the plot.

Three-Act Structure

1Exposition

Three-Act Structure

1Exposition

Three-Act Structure

Introduces characters and dramatic situation. Protagonist forms a goal.

2Complicating Action

Three-Act Structure

2Complicating Action

Three-Act Structure

Protagonist faces obstacles in pursuit of goal.

3Climax and Resolution

Three-Act Structure

3Climax and Resolution

Three-Act Structure

Protagonist confronts opposition. Goal is achieved (or not).

1 Exposition Introduces characters and dramatic situation. Protagonist conceives a goal.

2 Complicating actionProtagonist faces obstacles in pursuit of goal.

3 Climax and resolutionProtagonist confronts opposition. Goal is achieved (or not).

Three-Act Structure

Turning Point

Three-Act Structure

Turning PointProtagonist gets a new goal or must change tactics in pursuit of a goal.

Turning Point: New situation, new goal in Act Two.

Turning Point: Capture leads to confrontation and climax.

Act Two

Act Two

Complicating Action: Protagonist has to change tactics to achieve goal, or protagonist faces a new situation and has to cope.

Act Two

Complicating Action: Protagonist has to change tactics to achieve goal, or protagonist faces a new situation and has to cope.

Development:Protagonist struggles toward goals. Incidents create action, suspense, delay.

Turning point in Act Two: Change in tactics - get the broom.

1 Exposition Introduces characters and dramatic situation. Protagonist conceives a goal.

2A Complicating actionProtagonist faces obstacles in pursuit of goal.

2B DevelopmentAction, suspense, delay.

3 Climax and resolutionProtagonist confronts opposition. Goal is achieved (or not).

Epilogue

Three-Act Structure in

1

Epilogue3

2

1 Pregnant. What to do?

2 Things get complicated.

3 Crisis and resolution.

Epilogue

Chinatown

1 Following Hollis.

TP New situation. New goal.

2A Who’s behind this?

TP “You may think you understand.”

2B Looking for “the girl.”

TP Under suspicion.

3 Climax: The truth. Confrontation.

3 Resolution

Analyzing Structure

With classical narratives, these questions can help you analyze a movie’s structure:

• What is the protagonist’s goal at the beginning of the movie? How does the protagonist pursue this goal?

• Does the protagonist’s goal change? Does the protagonist have to change tactics in trying to achieve the goal? (When? Why?)

• Is the goal achieved? When? How?