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
Scene I: Mother Courage introduces her children to the soldier and recruiter. Eilif is recruited by the Swedish army. Courage continues to follow the Swedes through Europe.
Act II
Scene III: Swiss Cheese is executed by the invading Catholics. Mother Courage delays too long when trying to sell her wagon to pay for his release.
Act III
Scenes IX-XII: Mother Courage turns down the cook's offer to leave Kattrin behind and run an inn with him. Kattrin is killed while drumming to alert a local town about the approaching Catholics. Mother Courage holds her daughter as she dies, then she gets back on the road.