Section 03 - Narrative Structure

06 - Classical Narrative Structure

Many movies have a three act format to organize the story:

  • ACT I - The Setup

  • ACT II - The Development

  • ACT III - The Resolution

ACT I - THE SETUP

  • Introduces:

  • the main character in the story and their goal;

  • the main conflict; and

  • the major antagonist.

  • It “hooks” and captures an audience’s attention.

  • ACT I is typically the first 25-30 minutes of the movie.

07 - Suspense vs Surprise

SECTION 03 DISCUSSION QUESTION

A typical movie goer will make a decision about whether he/she will like the movie around the ten minute mark of the movie. To put it another way, the story has to capture attention and interest ASAP. Name and explain a movie that you’ve seen where this was certainly true for you.