Elements of Story

Plot: Three Act Structure

Act One

• The Beginning• The Set Up

Main characters, story’s general mood is set, physical time and place established

• Inciting IncidentEvent that sets the plot of the film in motion. Approximately halfway through the first act.

Plot: Three Act Structure

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 PointPlot peak with highest tension where opposites face off in physical or emotional action.

Plot: Three Act Structure

Act Three

• The ResolutionConflict 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