Three Act Structure - P1.

Act I: Setup

This act introduces the main characters and their place in a contemporary, historical, future and/or fantasy reality. Also an incident occurs that causes the protagonist(s) to react to this incident.

Act 2: Conflict

Act 2 is devoted to the protagonist trying to understand and resolve the situation arising from the first turning point.  This takes time because most protagonists are on a journey of innocence to experience. Aided and opposed by other characters, the protagonist must acquire the knowledge, skills and/or self awareness needed to achieve a resolution. This character development constitutes the “character arc.” At the other end of the arc is the Second Plot Point, a.k.a. Second Turning Point, which involves the protagonist understanding all and knowing what to do about it.

Act 3: The “Resolution”

This act resolves all plot and subplot conflicts. This is normally the shorter of the three acts, particularly when Act 3 is a “Hollywood ending.” Most action in movies is occasioned by conflict; the least action by happiness.