The document discusses narrative structure in film. Most film narratives follow a three-act structure of introduction (exposition), complication of the protagonist's goal, and climax/resolution. In the first act, the main characters and their goals are introduced. In the second act, the protagonist faces obstacles in pursuit of their goal. This may include a "turning point" where their tactics change. The third act involves the protagonist confronting opposition, and their goal being achieved or not. This structure helps drive the plot forward through rising action and conflict.

1. Narrative
Structure
in Film

2. Most film narratives are
goal-oriented.

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

8. The villian’s goal may also
drive the plot.

10. Three-Act Structure

11. 1
Exposition
Three-Act Structure

12. 1
Exposition
Three-Act Structure
Introduces characters and
dramatic situation.
Protagonist forms a goal.

13. 2
Complicating Action
Three-Act Structure

14. 2
Complicating Action
Three-Act Structure
Protagonist faces obstacles
in pursuit of goal.

15. 3
Climax and Resolution
Three-Act Structure

16. 3
Climax and Resolution
Three-Act Structure
Protagonist confronts opposition. Goal
is achieved (or not).

17. 1 Exposition
Introduces characters and dramatic
situation. Protagonist conceives a goal.
2 Complicating action
Protagonist faces obstacles in pursuit of
goal.
3 Climax and resolution
Protagonist confronts opposition.
Goal is achieved (or not).

18. Three-Act Structure
Turning Point

19. Three-Act Structure
Turning Point
Protagonist gets a new goal or must
change tactics in pursuit of a goal.

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

21. Turning Point: Capture leads to
confrontation and climax.

22. Act Two

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

24. 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.

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

26. 1 Exposition
Introduces characters and dramatic
situation. Protagonist conceives a goal.
2A Complicating action
Protagonist faces obstacles in pursuit of
goal.
2B Development
Action, suspense, delay.
3 Climax and resolution
Protagonist confronts opposition.
Goal is achieved (or not).

27. Epilogue

28. Three-Act Structure in

29. 1
Epilogue3
2

30. 1 Problem. What to do?

31. 2 Things get complicated.

32. 3Crisis.

33. 3Resolution.

34. Epilogue

35. Narrative
Structure

36. 1. Exposition: “Well, hello, Hildy.”

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

38. 2. Complicating Action:
“Production for use.”

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

40. 2. Development: “It’s too late.”

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

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

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

44. 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?

45. Another way to think of
structure.

47. Photo Credits
Arbre Evolution (Flickr)
Trey Ratcliff, Stuck in
Customs (Flickr)
kurtxio (Flickr)