Three-Act Plot Analysis

For a three-act plot analysis, put on your screenwriter’s hat. Moviemakers know the formula well: at the end of Act One, the main character is drawn in completely to a conflict. During Act Two, she is farthest away from her goals. At the end of Act Three, the story is resolved.

Act I

Daily Life: The Webb family and the Gibbs family eat breakfast and go to work/school and the women gossip.

Act II

Love and Marriage: Emily Webb and George Gibbs get hitched.

Act III

Death: Emily’s ghost wanders into the past.