3act

3act is a shorthand term for the three-act narrative structure used in storytelling across film, theatre, and other media. It is commonly written as 3-act or 3ACT. The framework divides a story into three linked segments: Act I (setup), Act II (confrontation), and Act III (resolution).

Act I establishes the world, introduces the protagonist and key supporting characters, and presents the central goal or conflict. It ends with an inciting incident that disrupts the protagonist’s status quo and a first major turning point that sets the story in motion.

Act II contains the bulk of the action, featuring progressive complications, obstacles, and rising stakes. In many treatments a midpoint reversal raises the stakes and changes the direction of the plot, followed by a second turning point that leads toward the climax.

Act III brings the story to a climax, where the central conflict reaches its peak, followed by a resolution or denouement that ties up subplots and reveals outcomes for the characters.

Origins and influence: The three-act concept has roots in classical theatre and later gained formalization in modern screenwriting manuals. It provides a flexible template rather than a rigid prescription, and many works adapt or subvert it.

Applications and variations: It is widely taught in film schools and used by writers for films, television, stage plays and interactive media. Variations include different act counts (two-act, four-act), as well as beat-based approaches integrated with the three-act framework.