I came across the three act plot structure about a year ago and I have to say I'm a bit of a convert. It's roots come from plays and drama, which is why there is so much crossover to screenplay writing.
Briefly:
In Act 1, we meet the main characters, find out how the world changes for the MC, and what thrusts them into a new experience.
In Act 2, we see development of the characters and what brought them there. The conflicts are brought to a breaking point and then...
In Act 3, we see the climax and then the denouement (or resolution).
Here are some links that have more info about this structure.
Wikipedia for a basic run through.
Michael Hauge takes it to a six-part structure.
Free Spirit Universe goes into more depth.
Peder Hill has another great explanation.
Hope this helps! Do you guys use a three plot structure?
Also, don't forget about visiting Laura's blog for this week's Sisterhood of the Traveling Blog on what is your favorite childhood book, and why.
50 comments:
I keep this in the back of my mind, but I'm not sure I adhere to it all the time.
This is an interesting post Lydia, and very timely for me because I've just done a post on my Pfeiffer blog about two films that were adapted fron stage plays (Frankie & Johnny and Prelude To A Kiss) and therefore follow the three act plot structure.
If you get chance have a look, in the meantime I'm going to have a look at your links to find out more about this.
Thanks :)
I do use it and need to remember to stick to it! Thanks for posting this. I'm in the middle of editing/rewrites so this is very helpful.
I do, though not religiously. What really helps me is the stages a character can go through:
ACT 1: orphan
ACT 2: wanderer then warrior
ACT 3: martyr
No, I do not use the traditional three act structure. Some of the same movement seeps into most writing regardless of structure, and I'm sure that's true with mine, as well.
In my current book, there are three acts, and they could be construed as lining up roughly with the traditional three-act structure, but the division is really for dialectic rather than theatrical purposes.
I have nothing against the structure for authors who can embrace it to good success, but in my own writing I find it constraining and artificial.
I love this structure....using a similar one, I always jot down notes on this important elements BEFORE I write my first word...I know, I'm crazy!
I love the diagram. I'm such a visual person. I know this structure, but seeing like this is really helpful.
Thanks for sharing!
It's a great guideline, but like anything creative you don't have to follow it exactly.
I’m familiar with the structure. But now it’s laid out so clearly I have no excuse not to keep it in mind :) Useful post, thanks.
The enigmatic, masked blogger
I like that! Thanks! :)
Hi Lydia! Thanks so much for the follow :)
I've read about the three plot structure before, but I've never seen it explained so well. Thanks for the diagram.
I tend to be a panster, though I do a bit o'plotting before hand. Nothing technical, just enough to get the juices flowing. I will keep this information on hand, though.
Cheers,
Jen
I am using this method now for NaNo. So far so good, but hope I will be saying that come mid Nov LOL!
The important thing to remember is that agents and publishers use it to judge your work. If you do not follow it, the odds are against them accepting you.
I love this diagram. Thank you for sharing.
I don't actually pay attention to it. I'm assuming I do it because it's the only structure I know. I just write the outline and it seems to work. :)
Oooh I've not really thought of my structure as such but I can see how this diagram makes sense if I strip my wip to essential basics!! I do like the clarity of this diagram - thank you so much!!!
Take care
x
hi miss lydia! i didnt ever hear of this before so its more im learning. im gonna copy it and put it in my folder. i need to think on it more so i could know if im kinda doing the in my writing or it i could need to do it. thanks for a good writing help.
...smiles from lenny
I definitely use this when shaping my outline! It always helps me focus. Love that diagram!
I've seen many examples of plot structure, but this one is fairly simple and easy to implement.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author
This is a nice guideline. I should pay more attention to it, for sure. I need to mend my panster ways, LOL!
All that talk about plot structure and three acts just inspired me to write two pieces of flash fiction.
So thank you for the links!
:D
I love this and try to use it. I think it's one of the easiest ways to plot and even talk about it in my writing course.
Wow, yea! Very helpful! Thank you!
Thanks, Lydia,
I think it's a good structure to have in mind, since it focuses a writer on the story. But if your story needs expansion, I think you should always feel free to depart from the structure and pursue what the story needs.
I have been trying to follow this for the past several months.
I'm a recent convert, too. I makes so much sense and keeps me from rambling too far from the story. Thanks for posting this. Love the diagram!
Whoa, that was helpful! Thanks, Lydia! I'm saving this one. :)
Cool. This is pretty much the classic story structure and there's no doubt that it works, for books and films. I follow it.
Jai
Great post Lydia... it is good to know how many people out there are plotting...
I'm trying to structure my current WIP on the three act system. I used the cliffhanger structure on the last one. :-)
I've only recently really known of this structure, and am still trying to internalize it. Thank you so much for the breakdown and the links!
It’s in there (my head) but I don’t focus on it while writing.
This is my go to structure whenever I am feeling lost and hopeless!! Breaking a story down like that can really help me figure out where my pacing is off. Thanks for the handy links!!
That is so interesting
Kisses
Ps: I am hosting a sweet GIVEAWAY today, please join in!
This popped up in a couple of places for me today...must be a sign that I should try it!
I like this simplistic, yet universally integral structure.
I did theatre for a long time, and I find my writing very similar to this 3 act structure. I remember talking about it in my creative writing classes too. It's the easiest way to organize your book, I think.
This is a very good formula to use; but it helps to also know that formulas were meant to be broken.
My adage is always: learn the rules first. Then go break them. :)
Thanks for the info and links! I don't usually think too much about it, but I'm starting to pay more attention to it.
I'm such an intuitive writer that the idea of following a formula scares me. I like to just let the narrative go where it wants to go. I imagine, in the end, I may on occasion match the formula, but I feel that if I tried to follow it, I would be compromising the right-brain magic.
Hi,
I was told years ago: write as though embellishing a script previously written for a play. Which, pretty much means setting scenes, what happens per scene take, each scene take being average of three-minutes when film comes out from cutting-room. So, with a book one builds a bigger scene per take!
Great way of writing.
best
F
Thank you for posting this! Even with writing that ostensibly seems to dispense the three act plot structure, the arc of tension and release shown here is usually found lurking beneath the surface.
I think it can only help a writer to internalize this type of formalized structure (i.e. learn the rules) before they go ahead and pretend to eschew it (i.e. break the rules).
Thanks for breaking this down for us! :) Very helpful, especially during these trying NaNo times.
~TRA
http://xtheredangelx.blogspot.com
I use the 3 plot structure (to an extent, anyway) even without really thinking about it. It just feels natural.
I decided to do Nano at the last minute, and having a 3 act structure helps a ton. Thanks for the link to the 6 act structure!
I just signed up for NaNo after visiting their website.
Two jobs and a volunteer newsletter editing position with a deadline in early December. I must be completely out of my tree...
:)
I need to copy and paste this and print it off. You always have really grounded advice, thanks!
Love the simplified version of the three act play - sometimes that's all it takes to clarify the big picture!
Hi, Lydia, I mentioned this post on my own post today. (Nov. 11)
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