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
Rousseau has an idyllic childhood romping around Geneva with his cousin Bernard. He learns a little bit of Latin and tries to be a good apprentice, but he ends up relying on a rich lady for support. Mme de Warens is Rousseau's guardian angel as he tries to find work and his way in the world. She's also his first romantic partner, even though she's already another guy's mistress.
Act II
When Mme de Warens abruptly dumps Rousseau, he heads off to Italy to work for a Count. That doesn't pan out, but he's got plenty of other ideas for how to survive. He writes like a maniac and meets a nice young lady to marry back in France. Although he's a philanderer, he manages to secure a sweet gig living in Mme d'Epinay's house. When Rousseau gets too cozy with Mme d'Epinay's friend, she kicks him out and lets him fend for himself.
Act III
Rousseau gets the Luxembourgs to support his newest literary endeavors, but even they can't shelter him from accusations of blasphemy. Rousseau flees the country with a not-so-impressed Therese, then bounces around trying to find a place to stay. He lands in England with a completed manuscript of The Confessions.