The Three Act Structure
The three-act structure is a basic framework that organizes a story into three distinct parts: beginning, middle, and end. Each act has its own key moments that propel the story forward and build upon the previous act until it reaches a satisfying conclusion. Using this structure can help you pace your story and decide where you want different events to occur.
Act 1: Introduction
- Exposition: Introduce the protagonist, their normal world, allies, antagonists, their goals, and what’s preventing them from achieving those goals.
- Inciting Incident: An event disrupts their everyday world, thrusting them into the central narrative conflict.
- Turning Point: The protagonist commits to a new path.
Act 2: Development
- Rising Action: The protagonist encounters complications and obstacles, escalating the tension.
- Midpoint: A significant turning point that raises the stakes, altering the protagonist’s goals or perspective.
- Escalating Conflict: Tension continues to build as challenges intensify, leading to critical consequences for the protagonist.
- Second Turning Point: A major event that propels the protagonist towards the climax.
Act 3: Conclusion
- Crisis: The ‘all is lost’ moment in the narrative.
- Climax: The highest point of tension where the main conflict reaches a resolution.
- Falling Action: Events unfold following the climax, tying up loose ends and showing consequences.
- Resolution: The final outcome reveals the new normal for the protagonist and the world they inhabit.
Salem’s Lot by Stephen King
Act 1:
We’re introduced to author Ben Mears, who returns to his childhood home, Jerusalem’s Lot, to gather inspiration for his next book. He reconnects with the town and its residents, including Susan Norton, his love interest, and a young fan, Mark Petrie. Things take a dark turn when two local children go missing, and one of them, Danny Glick, dies under mysterious circumstances. Ben begins to suspect that something sinister has taken residence in the old Marsten House.
Act 2:
As more townspeople become ill and die, Ben and his allies discover that a vampire, Kurt Barlow, has infected the town. They face increasing danger and suffer personal losses, including Susan, whom they are unable to save. Ben and Mark realize they must destroy Barlow in the Marsten House to save the town.
Act 3:
In a climactic showdown, Ben and Mark kill Barlow and set fire to the Marsten House. Despite this victory, the town remains overrun with vampires, forcing the two survivors to flee. Some time later, they return to finish off the remaining threats, leaving their fates unknown.
Try It Yourself!
Try applying the three act structure to a novel or movie that you’re familiar with or better yet, use your own story.
