This document outlines the typical three-act plot structure and story elements of a film noir. It explains that Act I introduces the main problem which changes everything. Act II involves struggling to solve this problem, along with confusion, intrigue and usually a double-cross. Act III reveals the hidden motivation and resolves the main problem. Key elements include a crime, hidden motivations, plot twists and double-crosses.

1. Film Noir Plot and
Story Structure
How to write a Noir!

2. Three Act Structure
Act I: Set up
Act II: Struggle
Act III: Resolution

3. Act I
Act II
Act III

6. PROBLEM
HIDDEN PROBLEM
CONFUSION
DOUBLE-CROSS

7. PROBLEM
Usually a crime that needs
investigating
– it happens early in the story
– it changes everything
– it drives the story onward...

8. HIDDEN PROBLEM
Often the motivation for the
crime
– it is not clear at the
beginning of the story
– is revealed at the end of the
story

9. CONFUSION
Confusing surrounding
circumstances
– red herrings
– blind alleys
– false starts
– plot twists
– INTRIGUE, MYSTRY, SUSPENSE

10. DOUBLE-CROSS
A pre-meditated double-cross
– usually by the Femme
Fatale
– in some cases the doublecross is anticipated and
countered

12. Three Act Structure
Act I: Set up
What is the main problem
and how does it change
everything?

13. Three Act Structure
Act II: Struggle
What are difficulties faced in
solving the main problem?
What is the double-cross?

14. Three Act Structure
Act III: Resolution
How is the hidden problem
revealed?