Narrative Structure in Film

Most film narratives are goal-oriented.

The protagonist’s pursuit of a goal determines the narrative structure.

The villian’s goal may also drive the plot.

Three-Act Structure

1Exposition

Three-Act Structure

1Exposition

Three-Act Structure

Introduces characters and dramatic situation. Protagonist forms a goal.

2Complicating Action

Three-Act Structure

2Complicating Action

Three-Act Structure

Protagonist faces obstacles in pursuit of goal.

3Climax and Resolution

Three-Act Structure

3Climax and Resolution

Three-Act Structure

Protagonist confronts opposition. Goal is achieved (or not).

1 Exposition Introduces characters and dramatic situation. Protagonist conceives a goal.

2 Complicating actionProtagonist faces obstacles in pursuit of goal.

3 Climax and resolutionProtagonist confronts opposition. Goal is achieved (or not).

Three-Act Structure

Turning Point

Three-Act Structure

Turning PointProtagonist gets a new goal or must change tactics in pursuit of a goal.

Turning Point: New situation, new goal in Act Two.

Turning Point: Capture leads to confrontation and climax.

Act Two

Act Two

Complicating Action: Protagonist has to change tactics to achieve goal, or protagonist faces a new situation and has to cope.

Act Two

Complicating Action: Protagonist has to change tactics to achieve goal, or protagonist faces a new situation and has to cope.

Development:Protagonist struggles toward goals. Incidents create action, suspense, delay.

Turning point in Act Two: Change in tactics - get the broom.

1 Exposition Introduces characters and dramatic situation. Protagonist conceives a goal.

2A Complicating actionProtagonist faces obstacles in pursuit of goal.

2B DevelopmentAction, suspense, delay.

3 Climax and resolutionProtagonist confronts opposition. Goal is achieved (or not).

Epilogue

Three-Act Structure in

1

Epilogue3

2

1 Problem. What to do?

2 Things get complicated.

3 Crisis.

3 Resolution.

Epilogue

Narrative Structure

1. Exposition: “Well, hello, Hildy.”

Turning Point: “I’ll offer you two a business proposition.”

2. Complicating Action: “Production for use.”

Turning Point (midpoint): “Hey, look out, it’s a jail break!”

2. Development: “It’s too late.”

Turning Point: “She’s dead.” “No, she isn’t killed. She’s moving””

3. Climax and Resolution: “We’ve been in worse jams than this.”

Epilogue: “All right, we can honeymoon in Albany.”

Analyzing Narrative

• What is the protagonist’s goal at the beginning of the movie? How does the protagonist pursue this goal?

• What obstacles block the protagonist’s efforts?

• Does the protagonist’s goal change? Does the protagonist have to change tactics in order to achieve the goal? (When? Why?)

• Is the goal achieved? When? How?

Another way to think ofstructure.

Photo Credits

Arbre Evolution (Flickr)

Trey Ratcliff, Stuck in Customs (Flickr)

kurtxio (Flickr)