Story Structure in Screenwriting

Introduction to story structure in Screenwriting

Introduction to Story Structure in Screenwriting

Understanding story structure is essential to creating a compelling and well-paced screenplay. It provides a blueprint that guides the progression of the plot and character development.

Here are key elements to consider:

1. Three-Act Structure:

This is the most traditional structure used in screenwriting, inspired by Aristotle's theory of dramatic structure. The three-act structure is comprised of:

• Act 1 - Setup: This act introduces the characters, the world they live in, and the protagonist's ordinary life. Near the end of this act, an "inciting incident" disrupts the protagonist's world and propels them into the story.

• Act 2 - Confrontation: Often the longest act, this section features the protagonist's attempts to resolve the problem or achieve their goal, facing a series of obstacles along the way. This act also includes a midpoint, which is a significant event that changes the protagonist's understanding or approach to their goal.

• Act 3 - Resolution: The climax of the story occurs in this act, where the protagonist confronts the main conflict. This is followed by the resolution, where loose ends are tied up and the aftermath of the story is shown.

2. Hero's Journey:

The Hero's Journey, or the monomyth, is a story structure template that involves a hero who goes on an adventure, faces and overcomes a crisis, and then comes home transformed. Popularized by Joseph Campbell, this structure is prevalent in epic fantasies and adventure films.

3. Five-Act Structure:

Traditionally used in plays, this structure can also be applied to screenwriting. The five acts typically consist of exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement.

4. Non-linear Structure:

This involves telling the story out of chronological order, like in "Memento" or "Pulp Fiction". This structure can make a story more intriguing but requires a solid understanding of story and character progression.

5. Parallel Structure:

In parallel structure, two or more storylines are happening simultaneously, often with a thematic connection. The storylines may intersect at certain points.

Choosing the right structure depends on the nature of your story, and it's not uncommon for scripts to combine elements from different structures. As you become more comfortable with structure, you'll be able to adapt and adjust it to serve your unique storytelling needs.

Understanding these structures can provide a solid starting point for crafting a screenplay, and can be a useful tool for outlining your script and ensuring it has a satisfying and engaging progression.