5 ACT STRUCTURE
Act/Name Function
1. EXPOSITION From Flashbacks, Character dialogue, Letters from past,
10% Setting from Character descriptions, POV of Narrator or
(SYMPATHY) Protagonist. *Keep natural/Don’t overdo.
-Who are the main Provides Audience with all character back story and their
characters? world near start. Establishes all the points that will trigger
-Identification of story to move forward through the entire narrative arc.
Intrigue.
-GERM OF Introduces setting, characters, and/or hints at the
CONFLICT. main/central conflict.
Part 1. The story is set up, including the exposition.
INCITING Part 2. Complication, also known as Inciting Incident
INCIDENT or the “Exciting Force.” Propels story forward.
>FIRST MAJOR Inciting Incident: unexpected event in story that provides
TURNING POINT main character with problem. The ‘hook’ within Exposition.
Exciting force: some sort of challenge, adventure or quest.
PROGRESSIVE Builds tension with complications and obstacles. Conflict
COMPLICATIONS increases as characters try to achieve their goals. Delves
into more detail about A1 complication, adding additional
2. RISING ACTION plot twists and character development.
35-45%
(CONCERN) All characters must be introduced by end of A2. Does not
contain the climactic moment but sets up for A3. Longest
-Events occur part of 5 act structure.
driving towards
Climax. Are Characters moving or attempting to move, either
-THE 'TYING' OF physically or mentally? Pivotal section where they begin
INTRIGUES. making their own choices, rather than reacting to world
-Some secrets around them.
revealed.
Sometimes there is extra element of Crisis:
emotional/psychological event and reaction to meeting
Antagonist/Obstacle.
3. CLIMAX Cliffhanger: Most pivotal moment where tension reaches
5% peak in major scene. Turning point and highest emotional
(SUSPENSE) intensity, where story’s conflict peaks.
MIDPOINT
Event which ensures things will never be the same/become
-Conflicts, Interests reversed. Include victories or defeats. Midpoint of narrative
peak. arc or just after.
-World is changed.
-Actions cannot be Story Climax (division point) belongs to Protagonist and
undone. misperceived as dramatic, when its really a point where
characters reflect on their choices or fate and then act, for
>More secrets either better or worse. Action rises to this point during first
revealed. half of Play then falls away for second half.
4. FALLING ACTION Events following Climax begin resolving the conflict, step of
25-35% reckoning and reversal. Reflects change that occurred in
(REST) Climax. Resolution may be foreshadowed or hinted here
so it won’t be complete surprise.
-Consequences
ensue. And take time here to answer reader’s questions. Could
-RESPOND TO THE reveal plot twist or one final trial for Protagonist before
CLIMAX. accomplishing what they need to grow. Show something big
has changed for them.
Freytag: Here, number of characters limited and number of
MAJOR TURNING scenes fewer than Rising Action.
POINT
Scenes that take place between the act and final act. The
CATASTROPHE second half of play beyond Midpoint known as Counterplay.
Mirror of A2 in length, comprising large part of narrative.
Comedy
All will be lost Initiates falling action in plot structure. eg. In Tragedy, if all
goes well for protagonist, plot pivots to catastrophe.
Drama
All will be won Final Suspense - prepares Audience for Catastrophe likely
to happen in A5. During this, they have moment of doubt
about what could possibly happen next.
5. RESOLUTION Loose ends are tied up, and the story concludes. Brings all
5-10% things together introduced in plot. Provides sense of
(SATISFACTION) satisfaction, finality, and fulfilment. Reveals repercussions of
all previous actions and decisions.
THE FINAL BATTLE
Internal and External conflicts set up before are resolved.
And events hinted in Falling Action (so they they’re not
complete surprise.)
(CONTD.)
Tends to be short, 1-3 scenes. Point in Tragedy where most
of the characters die.
1. Plan Major Events: Identify the Inciting Incident, Climax, and Resolution.
2. Divide into Acts: Structure your story with five clear sections.
3. Build the World: Introduce key characters, setting, and the conflict in Act I.
4. Raise the Stakes: Use Act II for tension and complications.
5. Deliver a Climax: Act III is the turning point where everything changes.
6. Wind Down: Use Act IV to show consequences and start wrapping up.
7. Resolve the Story: Conclude the narrative in Act V.
% - denotes how much of play each Act approximately takes up.
