“Unpacking the Five Act Structure: A Guide to Crafting Compelling Stories”
Every professional writer should know the basic toolbox of storytelling.
Last week I wrote about the essential characteristics of stories written according to what we call the three-act structure.
But of course, this way of storytelling is not the only one possible. At least as well established is the five-act structure, which is the subject of today’s discussion.
The five-act structure is a common framework in storytelling used to give structure and organization to the story. It has been used for centuries and is still widely used in modern storytelling, whether in movies, TV shows, plays, novels, or comic books.
The five different parts of the five-act structure are:
1. Exposition: Exposition sets the stage for the story by introducing the setting, characters, and central conflict. This is where the reader gets to know the world of the story and its inhabitants. For example, in “The Great Gatsby,” the exposition introduces the reader to the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy in the 1920s.
2. Rising Action: The rising action is where the conflict and tension begin to build as the protagonist faces obstacles and challenges. This is where the story begins to pick up speed and the reader becomes invested in the outcome. In the movie “The Dark Knight,” the rising action shows the rise of the Joker and his plans to bring chaos to Gotham City, putting Batman in a difficult position.
3. Climax: The climax is the turning point of the story and the most exciting and suspenseful part. This is where the conflict reaches its climax and the protagonist must make a crucial decision or face a final challenge. For example, in the play Hamlet, the climax occurs when Hamlet finally takes revenge on his uncle Claudius for killing his father.
4. Falling Action: The falling action is where the tension begins to dissipate and the conflict is resolved. This is where the consequences of the protagonist’s actions are revealed and any loose ends are tied up. In the movie The Shawshank Redemption, the falling action shows Andy Dufresne’s escape from prison and the consequences of his actions.
5. Resolution: Resolution is where the story comes to a satisfying conclusion and the protagonist achieves his or her goal or learns an important lesson. This is where the reader gets a sense of closure and satisfaction. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the denouement shows Scout Finch learning about courage, justice, and empathy, and realizing that her father, Atticus Finch, is the epitome of these qualities.
By following the five-act structure, a story can be organized and structured in a way that is compelling, engaging, and satisfying to the reader.
of course, this structure is not set in stone. No one has to adhere to it. But knowing it helps us to keep an eye on the course of our story and to analyze why it doesn’t seem to be working properly at one point or another.
I hope this brief overview has been helpful to you. I would really appreciate any feedback in the comments.
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