LESSON 1:

OUTLINING &
THREE ACT STRUCTURE

"
In order to give me a sense

T
of focus and direction, I
always start writing with
some idea of what my Plot
Points will be, even when
allowing the story to unfold
organically.
Bryan Thomas Schmidt
hree Act Structure lies at the heart of dramatic writing
in Western prose. It identifies the core dramatic points
of a story. Some of you may prefer to let the story
unfold organically, but at some point you will be required
to outline as a professional writer. We are going to talk
about a very simple way to outline key points that can help
you write more efficiently in order to meet a deadline.

The outline in question is based on Screenplay by Syd Field. It is a classic

writing teaching book employed by many film schools and it also applies to
any dramatic story, including those told in prose.
The outline is for three acts. In a screenplay those equal: Act One, which is
30 pages or a fourth, Act Two, which is 60 pages or half, and Act Three which
is 30 pages and a fourth. Page numbers will vary but the fractions for each
portion should wind up roughly the same.

INKITT NOVEL WRITING BOOT CAMP

LESSON 1 OUTLINING & THREE ACT STRUCTURE

The key turning points transitioning between acts are called Plot Point I and
Plot Point II. These are events which force the protagonist, and sometimes the
antagonist, to turn in new directions in pursuit of resolving the conflict. In order
to give me a sense of focus and direction, I always start writing with some idea of
what my Plot Points will be, even when allowing the story to unfold organically.
• Plot Point I will require action from the protagonist in determining
what must be done
• Plot Point I propels the Protagonist into Act II which is an ascending
action involving a journey to find the solution without yet knowing
all that is required. In the course of Act II, the questions will be
answered until you reach Plot Point II
• Plot Point II will occur when the protagonist discovers what must be
done and where, with whom, to achieve the goal. It propels them into
Act III, which is the climactic, descending action to reach that end point
Just as the overall story has three acts, so will each plot and subplot, and
each act. Each has a mini-turning point called the MidPoint or Pinch that
twists the action and propels the characters into the second half.
• In the first Act, this is called the Inciting Incident
• In Act II, you have a Pinch Point for each half
• In Act III you have the climactic confrontation before the
denouement
While both Plot Points are major dramatic developments, the Inciting Incident,
Mid Point and Pinches can be more internal than external. However, they must
be significant enough to the character’s hearts and minds that they cause them
to change course or move with renewed vigor toward the goal.
Your goal for this week is to identify as many of these points as you can
and do a few sentences on each. Keep in mind that this outline is only a
blueprint. As the story evolves, your Plot Points, Pinches, Midpoints and
even your climax can change. These are tools to give you goals to work from
and help you achieve a whole, not points set in stone.

HERE ARE THE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO

DEVELOP THIS OUTLINE.
• Who is your protagonist.
• Who is your antagonist.
• What are their goals?
• What are the obstacles each faces in reaching that goal?
• What growth must each undergo to make success possible?
• And lastly, what do you think the final confrontation needs to be at this point?

INKITT NOVEL WRITING BOOT CAMP

LESSON 1 OUTLINING & THREE ACT STRUCTURE

Again, the answers may change, but the idea is to think through key
elements of your story in order to speed up your writing. Having a place to
start is what matters here.
So your assignment is to answer these questions then draw your own
outline of the key points: with at least Plot Point I, Midpoint, and Plot
Point II identified as well as the Climax. The more you have, the easier it
will be but those are the minimum required for homework. In addition, you
will sit down and write the first 2000 words. That should be the first half of
Act I taking you to your Inciting Incident or just before. Happy writing!

NOTES:

INKITT NOVEL WRITING BOOT CAMP