Introduction

The typical structure of a Story we are taught right from the early days of School is true even in Professional Scriptwriting. There’s needs to have a Beginning, Middle and an End. Also known as a 3 Act Structure.

When writing our Story’s for Interactive Narratives Unit, we stuck to a Three Act Story line to ensure that we made it exciting, yet conventional with users.

Story Outline

The greed and rash decisions of a rising tech entrepreneur threatens freedom of choice and the free world.

An old pessimistic lady who hates technology is the only person with enough cynical wisdom to stop him.

Her Stubbornness to change will be challenged as those around her fall victim the evil machinations. She must face her own demons in order to defeat true evil.

Here is a breakdown of the Three Act Structure and how it is used within our story…

Act 1 (Complication)

• Protagonist is shown in his/her ordinary world — Patty Hoffman is being Introduced to Twitter and other Technology by her Daughter at home in Portland, US.
• There is an event: A Call to Adventure — She see’s Robins cry for help on Social Media.
• He/she must decide whether to answer “the call” — She is the willing hero, but is a huge ask for her. Does she fly to the UK?
• They encounter the first turning point — Meet in a cafe, get on very well and agree to meet up again.

Act 2 (Development)

• What it is “about” — Begin to uncover the trusts of .EYE Organisation and Glen Higgens
• Encounter challenges — Having to find out more about .EYE and Glen Higgens. Having to find Robin Farmer
• Meet allies — Introduced to Pat Evans who proves to help
• Take advice from Mentors — Pat Evans is very wise and acts as a Mentor in this Situation. As does CIA member.
• Undergo an ordeal (the dark days) — Robin going missing

Act 3 (Resolution)

• The protagonist returns, only stronger — Patty Hoffman is helped by Pat Evans to become Stronger Together. Patty alone is more wise and experienced than the enermy Glen Higgens.
• Begins with the Second Turning Point — Patty Hoffman understands and realises Pat Evans abilities. Patty also uncovers .EYE’s new Old St Location
• Resolution & Resurrection (re-born/change) — Patty Hoffman defeats Glen Higgens and .EYE
• Return with the Elixir/Glory — Rescues Robin and saves his life.

Summary

It is clear that we have followed the 3 Act Structure within our Narrative. I believe this has lead to overall a better and more engaging plot. Having this structure gave our narrative a strong direction and a beginning point where we could start to plan out what actually happens in the story.

Tom.