Three Act Structure

Most narrative films – both comedy and drama – share several common characteristics.

These common characteristics were first described by Aristotle, a Greek philosopher and playwright.

According to Aristotle, each act contains predictable elements common to all stories.

They both usually take place in Three Acts.

They both have a Protagonist (the person we are rooting for) and an Antagonist (whoever or whatever is in conflict with the protagonist)

Act One contains Exposition or a summary of who the main characters are (players), where they are from (setting) and what they want (motivation).

It also contains a Call to Action (inciting incident) that leads the protagonist to leave the security of home.

Act Two contains the Rising Action or a series of challenges and obstacles that prevent the protagonist from easily achieving his goal.

It also leads to some sort of a final conflict or Climax. Which pits the protagonist and antagonist against one-another.

Act Three contains the falling action which leads to the Resolution (or denouement) when the loose ends are all neatly tied up.

The Hero’s Journey

The Hero’s Journey is a series of common characteristics in drama first observed by Joseph Campbell.

The Hero takes a journey (physical, emotional, etc.) in search of identity and wholeness or to correct an injustice.

The Hero is commonly an average person who is driven to extreme acts of bravery to reach this goal.

All heroes, regardless of their personalities, will demonstrate some or all of these characteristics:

1. Has human flaws

2. Learns and grows

3. Takes risks

4. Overcomes obstacles

5. Makes sacrifices

Heroes share the listed characteristics regardless of:

The culture or environment in which their story is set.

The time period in which their story takes place.

AncientModernFuture

A pattern of characteristics that is common to all literary characters is called an ArchetypeArchetype.

Common Archetypes include: Mentor - a wise old man/woman Herald - someone who predicts the

future for the Hero. Shapeshifter, Shadow and Trickster

attempt to impede the Hero from reaching his goal.

The Hero’s JourneyBirth/HomeCall to Adventure

Helpers/Amulet

Crossing the Threshold

Tests

Helpers

Climax/Final Battle

Flight

Return

Elixir