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Writing a Three-Act Story
Writing a Three-Act Story
Writing a Three-Act Story
A three-act story divides a narrative into three distinct sections, each centered around one or more plot points that drive the overall action. This writing process has been used in storytelling for thousands of years, dating back to Aristotle.
Writing a Three-Act Story
This diagram was created on Mar 10, 2021 3:10 PM and was last updated May 5, 2021 10:38 AM.
1.
Establish setting and our character "before"
Establish setting and our character "before"
What is the character "before", write out their inner drive and state the establishing world with your main character
Links to2. Inciting Incidentand 1 more
2.
Inciting Incident
Inciting Incident
What is the problem or opportunity and how is it a threat or ask yourself "why"?
3.
Goal/Conflict: The Act 1 Question
Goal/Conflict: The Act 1 Question
What will we learn about the events? What are the stakes involved? What is the IF/THEN WHAT/WHY
Linked from2. Inciting Incidentand 1 more
Links to4. END OF ACT 1
4.
END OF ACT 1
END OF ACT 1
Your milestone's description here...
Linked from3. Goal/Conflict: The Act 1 Question
5.
Time continues
Time continues
The time flow of the story is still moving, we must me aware of this
Links to6. Second Act, the "NOW"
6.
Second Act, the "NOW"
Second Act, the "NOW"
How have the characters changed from the "before" Have they changed?
Linked from5. Time continues
Links to7. The Narrative Midpoint
7.
The Narrative Midpoint
The Narrative Midpoint
Here is where the establish the middle of the story. Do the stakes rise? Is there an increase threat?
Linked from6. Second Act, the "NOW"
Links to8. Start of story 2B
8.
Start of story 2B
Start of story 2B
This is the secondary line of story that explores other characters and how they/it effects the protagonist
Linked from7. The Narrative Midpoint
Links to9. The Low Pointand 1 more
9.
The Low Point
The Low Point
How it reflects the stakes and the theme
Linked from8. Start of story 2B
Links to10. Moment of Truth
10.
Moment of Truth
Moment of Truth
Does the character accept the change?
Linked from9. The Low Pointand 2 more
Links to12. Character React
11.
END OF ACT 2
END OF ACT 2
Your milestone's description here...
12.
Character React
Character React
How do we see the character react to the other characters based on the changes in the narrative. Are there lessons learn? Are there any realizations?
Linked from10. Moment of Truth
13.
Does the Protagonist Learn Anything?
Does the Protagonist Learn Anything?
Your decision's description here...
Linked from12. Character React
Links to14. Climax/ Final Battle
14.
Climax/ Final Battle
Climax/ Final Battle
How do we test that the character has learned/gained something from the story, how do we prove that transition?
Linked from13. Does the Protagonist Learn Anything?
15.
Answer Question in Act 1
Answer Question in Act 1
After the climax we need to answer the question we asked in Act 1: What will we learn about the events? What are the stakes involved? What is the IF/THEN WHAT/WHY
Links to3. Goal/Conflict: The Act 1 Questionand 1 more
16.
What is the status of our protagonist ?
What is the status of our protagonist ?
How are we, or the protagonist changed by the "after"? Answer any loose ends or questions to sub-plots that were presented in the story
Linked from15. Answer Question in Act 1
17.
END OF ACT 3
END OF ACT 3
Roll credits
