Video Production: The Three-Act Structure

Act 1

the setup

Introduction

Establishes setting, introduces protagonist, provides context about life, goals, relationships with a hint of conflict to come

Inciting Incident

The event that disrupts the protagonist’s world, the catalyst for the story that pushes the main character out of their comfort zone, ignites the central conflict (usually in Act 1, typically around its halfway point)

Plot Point One

Moment when the protagonist chooses to engage with the conflict and pursue the story’s goal, creates a “point of no return”, marks the end of the first act

Act 2

The Confrontation

Rising Action

Part of the story where the conflict escalates and the character faces increasing external and internal obstacles, each challenge forces them to grow and raises the stakes, creates emotional depth

The Midpoint

Turning point that shifts the direction of the story and raises the stakes even higher, marks the transition between the first and second halves of Act 2 (new insight or understanding, major event changes goals/motivations)

The Big Gloom (The Dark Night of the Soul)

Point at which the protagonist faces their seemingly lowest moment, situation appears hopeless and they are overwhelmed by the obstacles they are facing, forces the character to decide whether they will give up or persevere

Act 3

The Resolution

Climax

The high point of the story — when the protagonist faces the ultimate challenge or conflict head-on and the story’s outcome is determined, usually represents the culmination of the protagonist’s character arc and their goals becoming realized

Plot Point Two

Occurs just before the Climax, sets the stage for the final resolution, usually involves a twist, revelation, or strategy shift where everything that has been building throughout the story comes together

Denouement (The Resolution)

The final section of Act 3 in which the narrative’s loose ends are tied up and any remaining questions are answered, the consequences of the protagonist’s actions are revealed, audience is shown the aftermath of the central conflict, offers closure