The Three-Act Structure

The Three-Act Structure is a formula developed primarily for screenwriters, yet is frequently and effectively used by novelists. The model divides narratives into three areas; Setup, Confrontation, and Resolution.

Modern day fiction novels resemble a highly detailed screen play. It is often more character driven and visually rather than metaphorically shown. Hence, most novels could be made into a motion picture with some change in format. An excellent and well known example of the formula is found in Suzanne Collins The Hunger Games. However, it used throughout modern fiction.

The formula is modeled after Joseph Campbell’s Monomyth. Many of the characters and progressions are shared. However, a notable difference is that there is no gender bias. While Monomyth is adaptable to female characters, it does revolve around a male protagonist. The three-act, however, works just as well with a male or female character.

In the first act (setup) the protagonist is found in their home with imperfections and an obvious thing that needs to be fixed. We are introduced immediately to the problem that needs fixing, even if the protagonists are not aware of it.

The action continues to gradually ascend as we move to the inciting incident. Here, the character will receive the big push they need to go forth in the dangerous unknown.

Second thoughts occur as the character is going off into the great beyond, far away from home and safety. They may wish to go home and even try to, but in the end they will have to go on.

Now we come to the big climax of act one. No more thinking, the hero must be all doing (if the story allows). We’ve reached the point of no return.

The crisis continues to ascend in action. Usually, two main obstacles are to overcome before midpoint. Midpoint is just as it says, the middle of the story. The story should have a big twist, changing directions and making everyone swerve around just as they thought they were catching on.

Then we go through a pattern of obstacle, disaster, crisis. We give them something to chew on for a moment until something huge blows up in their face (disaster). We now have a crisis on our hands, waiting to be resolved in act three.

Which we come to now. The climax of act two is the most action packed part of the whole story. This is when the real battle begins.

Act three is the climax. Therefore, the very first part of act three is the climax of act three. Everything is beginning to wind down to an ending, but is still in the midst of battle.

Finally, after the battle and the villains have been vanquished, it’s time to say goodbye. The wrap-up or denoument is now in progress. The character gets out of the field of battle or the arena and is taken to sanctuary. Hence, the end.