Implementing the three-act structure of storytelling
The acts of storytelling refer to the structural elements that make up a narrative, and there are different theories on how many acts there are in a story. One common theory is the three-act structure, which divides a story into three parts: the setup, the confrontation, and the resolution.
Figure 3.7: The three-act structure of storytelling
Here is a brief overview of each act:
- Act 1 – the setup: In this act, the audience is introduced to the characters, the setting, and the conflict that drives the story. This act establishes the protagonist’s ordinary world before the inciting incident that disrupts their life and sets the story in motion.
- Act 2 – the confrontation: This act is where the majority of the action takes place, as the protagonist faces challenges and obstacles that test their resolve and force them to confront their flaws and weaknesses. This act culminates...