1.1 Three-Act Structure and Plot Points

The inciting incident is a pivotal moment in a screenplay that sets the main story in motion by introducing a conflict or challenge faced by the protagonist. This event disrupts the balance of the character's world, compelling them to take action and propelling the narrative forward into the rising action.

Protagonist: The main character in a story, often facing conflicts and undergoing significant growth or change throughout the narrative.

Climax: The turning point in a story where the tension reaches its highest point, leading to a resolution of the conflict.

Plot Point: A significant event that occurs in a screenplay, changing the direction of the story and affecting the protagonist's journey.

Resolution is the part of a story where the conflicts are resolved and the narrative comes to a satisfying conclusion. It's essential because it ties up loose ends and shows how the characters have changed, reflecting their journeys throughout the story.

Denouement: The final part of a narrative where the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are resolved.

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces in a story, which drives the plot forward and sets up the need for resolution.

Character Arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, culminating in the resolution.

The protagonist is the main character in a story, often facing challenges and undergoing personal growth throughout the narrative. This character drives the plot forward and usually has clear goals, motivations, and conflicts that engage the audience and create emotional investment.

Antagonist: The antagonist is a character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and tension within the story.

Inciting Incident: The inciting incident is an event that sets the story in motion, prompting the protagonist to take action and start their journey.

Climax: The climax is the turning point of the story, where the protagonist faces their greatest challenge and experiences significant change.

Subplots are secondary storylines that run parallel to the main plot, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. They often involve supporting characters and their journeys, enhancing the overall theme and emotional resonance of the main story while also providing additional conflict and resolution.

Main Plot: The primary storyline that drives the overall narrative forward, focusing on the central conflict and the protagonist's journey.

Character Arc: The transformation or growth a character undergoes throughout the story, often influenced by both the main plot and subplots.

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces, which can arise from either the main plot or subplots, driving character development and plot progression.

Tension is the emotional strain or anxiety that keeps an audience engaged and invested in a story, often arising from conflicts, stakes, and unresolved situations. It plays a crucial role in maintaining interest and driving the narrative forward by creating anticipation and uncertainty about the outcome of characters' actions.

Conflict: A struggle between opposing forces, often serving as the driving force of the narrative and a source of tension.

Suspense: The feeling of excitement or anxious uncertainty about what may happen next, closely tied to tension but often focused on specific moments in the story.

Stakes: The consequences or risks involved in a character's choices that can elevate tension by highlighting what is at stake for them.

Themes are the underlying messages or central ideas that a story conveys, often reflecting universal concepts about human experiences and emotions. They can be woven throughout the narrative, influencing characters' motivations and the choices they make, as well as shaping the audience's understanding of the plot and its implications.

Motif: A recurring element, such as a symbol, phrase, or theme, that has significance in a story and helps to develop the main ideas.

Character Arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, often closely tied to the themes being explored.

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces in a story, which often drives the plot and highlights the themes present within the narrative.

Confrontation refers to the moment in a narrative when characters face their conflicts directly, often leading to intense emotional or physical exchanges. It serves as a crucial turning point in the story, allowing characters to reveal their true selves, motives, and growth as they confront their challenges head-on. This key moment is essential for driving the plot forward and establishing the stakes within the narrative structure.

Climax: The climax is the point of greatest intensity in a story, often coinciding with the confrontation where the protagonist faces their main obstacle.

Conflict: Conflict is the struggle between opposing forces in a story, which sets up the need for confrontation and drives the plot.

Resolution: Resolution is the outcome of the confrontation, where conflicts are resolved, and the story reaches its conclusion.

The climax is the turning point in a narrative where the main conflict reaches its peak intensity, leading to a decisive moment for the characters involved. It’s often the most exciting part of a story, where everything that has been building up comes to a head, affecting the outcome and direction of the plot.

Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and driving the story towards its climax.

Denouement: The final resolution or outcome of the story that follows the climax, where loose ends are tied up and the story concludes.

Rising Action: The series of events that build up to the climax, escalating tension and developing characters and conflicts.