Act I
- Opening Image: The first image should summarize the entire film, especially its tone.
- Inciting Incident: Also called the catalyst, this is the point in the story when the Protagonist encounters the problem that will change their life.
- Plot Point 1: The last scene in Act One, Turning Point One is a surprising development that radically changes the Protagonist’s life, and forces him to confront the Opponent.
Act II
- Pinch 1: A reminder scene at about 3/8 the way through the script and halfway through Act 2 that brings up the central conflict of the drama, reminding us of the overall conflict.
- Midpoint: An important scene in the middle of the script, often a reversal of fortune or revelation that changes the direction of the story that is driving the story towards the Midpoint and keeps the second act from sagging.
- Pinch 2: Another reminder scene that is somehow linked to Pinch 1 in reminding the audience of the central conflict.
- Plot Point 2: A dramatic reversal that ends Act 2 and begins Act 3, which is about confrontation and resolution. Sometimes Turning Point Two is the moment when the Hero has had enough and is finally going to face the Opponent. It’s the low-point for the Hero, and he must overcome the odds in Act 3.
Act III
- Showdown: About midway through Act 3, the Protagonist will confront the Main Problem of the story and either overcome it, or come to a tragic end.
- Resolution: The issues of the story are resolved.
[...] 3-Act Structure [...]