Story Structure

Three-Act Structure

Act One (Setup) - ~25%

• Opening Image - Visual that sets tone
• Theme Stated - Hint at the theme
• Setup - Introduce protagonist, world, stakes
• Catalyst - Inciting incident
• Debate - Protagonist hesitates
• Break into Two - Protagonist commits to journey

Act Two (Confrontation) - ~50%

• B Story - Secondary storyline (often romance/friendship)
• Fun and Games - Promise of the premise
• Midpoint - False victory or defeat, raises stakes
• Bad Guys Close In - Pressure increases
• All Is Lost - Lowest point
• Dark Night of the Soul - Protagonist confronts failure

Act Three (Resolution) - ~25%

• Break into Three - Solution discovered
• Finale - Confrontation and resolution
• Final Image - Opposite of opening, showing change

Beat Sheet (Save the Cat!)

Sequence Method

1. Sequence A - Status quo and inciting incident
2. Sequence B - Predicament and lock-in
3. Sequence C - First obstacle
4. Sequence D - First culmination (midpoint)
5. Sequence E - Subplot dominates
6. Sequence F - Main tension returns
7. Sequence G - Second culmination (crisis)
8. Sequence H - Resolution

Hero's Journey

1. Ordinary World
2. Call to Adventure
3. Refusal of the Call
4. Meeting the Mentor
5. Crossing the Threshold
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies
7. Approach to Inmost Cave
8. Ordeal
9. Reward
10. The Road Back
11. Resurrection
12. Return with Elixir