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Narrative Structure in Film
PlotThe selection and ordering of events explicitly shown on screen.
StoryAll of the chronological events that implicitly take place during the span of time of the plot.
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 Pregnant. What to do?
2 Things get complicated.
3 Crisis and resolution.
Epilogue
Chinatown
1 Following Hollis.
TP New situation. New goal.
2A Who’s behind this?
TP “You may think you understand.”
2B Looking for “the girl.”
TP Under suspicion.
3 Climax: The truth. Confrontation.
3 Resolution
Analyzing Structure
With classical narratives, these questions can help you analyze a movie’s structure:
• What is the protagonist’s goal at the beginning of the movie? How does the protagonist pursue this goal?
• Does the protagonist’s goal change? Does the protagonist have to change tactics in trying to achieve the goal? (When? Why?)
• Is the goal achieved? When? How?