1. Elements of Story

2. Plot: Three Act Structure

3. ACT ONE

4. Act One The Beginning The Set Up
Main characters, story’s general mood is set, physical time and place established
Inciting Incident
Event that sets the plot of the film in motion. Approximately halfway through the first act.

5. Plot: Three Act Structure

6. ACT TWO

7. 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 Point
Plot peak with highest tension where opposites face off in physical or emotional action.

8. Plot: Three Act Structure

9. ACT THREE

10. Act Three The Resolution Conflict 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

11. Plot: Three Act Structure