8 Act structure

Here's an 8 act structure described act by act. It breaks the usual 3 act structure into smaller bits: 2 sequences, 4 sequences & 2 sequences. It's been most helpful to me. I got this from a script writing guru named Chris Soth whose whole approach I like.


seq 1 status quo prologue could be used to create tension, ends with call to adventure, inciting incident

seq 2 resisting the call. end of act 2 Hero is locked in to the call to adventure.

exceptions are heros who lead exciting lives, detectives, cops, superheros, spies, so these stories get into the 2nd act early. They usually don't have that much of a character arc. Travelling angels don't change either.

seq 3 initial attempts to solve problem. These measures won't work. optional items: gathering of allies, training, ghosts from the past.

seq 4 hero stages a more elaborate plan that goes horribly wrong. Things get worse because of information the hero lacks about the antagonist. Forces of antagonism far more powerful than initially believed, align against the hero. End is the midpoint, a great place for the mindbender that makes the audience reconsider all that they've seen. In a rom-com it's the time to have sex. Rick learns Ilsa was already married tho she thought husband was dead. I see dead people.

seq 5 Eye Opener hero confronted by their weakness reviews the situation, now aware that they must change or die. The depth of the midpoint really sinks in. This seq can be cut out, or it could be driven by a b plot or the secondary character (consider the antagonist) but make sure it relates to opening the eyes of the protagonist.

seq 6 Hero spawns a new plan, but now he/she is ready to change. the plan is put into action. It will go wrong to the low point. Worst fear. Hero is very nearly destroyed,,,but then revelation.

seq 7 Hero turns the tables on the antagonist and finally sees victory. Hero and villain go one on one against each other. 3rd act twist at the end of seq 7 classic twists: dead character is actually alive, didn't check to see if character is really dead

seq 8 Last attempt by antagonist to defeat hero. The hero wins, The world is reborn