Syd Field suggested that films can be divided into three acts: the setup, confrontation, and resolution. There are plot points between the acts that change characters' lives and relationships, altering the tone. The setup grabs audience attention in the first 10 minutes by introducing the main character and problem. In the confrontation, the character faces escalating problems helplessly until finding a better approach by the second plot point. The resolution has the character take control and achieve victory over their enemy.

1. Syd Field’s 3 Act Plot
What is it?

2.  Field suggested that a typical Hollywood film can be
separated into three different acts, the setup,
confrontation and resolution. In order to transition from
one act to another, there are plot points which are really
important to the narrative, they can change the
character’s lives around, change their relationships with
others and alter the tone of the film.
 Field suggests that there are two major ones between the
acts and a less important one at the middle of the film.
This has become a useful way of analysing films, as well
as acting as a guide for potential film makers. They act as
the instructions for the perfect screenplay.

4.  Act 1- the setup is one of the most important acts as it is
what grabs the audience attention. An individual will
decide whether they like the film within the first 10
minutes, so it is important for the film-maker to give a
sense of what is to come throughout the rest of the film,
who the main character is, why should they care for
him/her, the location of the film, relationships between
the characters and the film’s style. The rest of the first 30
minutes they should learn the nature of the problem the
hero faces however, this can be left until plot point one.
Act 1- THE SETUP

5.  Act 2- the confrontation. In this section the main
character has to face a series of problems that
become more and more extreme, and confront their
enemies usually quite helplessly. Then there is a mid-
point where they begin to turn things around and win
this helpless struggle; however by plot point two they
realise they have been tackling the problem the
wrong way and will be ready for the resolution.
Act 2- THE CONFRONTATION

6.  Act 3- the resolution. The hero takes control in the
struggle with their problem (by going to confront
their enemy on their own home territory usually) and
will achieve a final, decisive victory.
ACT 3- THE RESOLUTION