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
Frank Alpine enters the lives of Morris, Ida, and Helen Bober, becoming a clerk at their failing grocery store. He appears to bring an increase of customers and money into the business, but he's also stealing from the place. One step forward, two steps back. Also, unbeknownst to Morris and Ida, he's dating Helen. Just when things are looking up, news of a new competitor smashes the hopes of the Bobers to pieces. What happens next will change their lives even more.
Act II
Major turning points ahead! Morris catches Frank stealing and terminates his employment. Helen is a victim of two sexual assaults, one of the assailants being Frank. Frank lingers and tries to get Helen to forgive him. Not surprisingly, Helen wants nothing to do with him. A resolution looks impossible.
Act III
The story winds down with the final events. After shoveling snow without a coat, Morris catches pneumonia and dies. Frank becomes a permanent fixture in the grocery, taking over in their need. There's not much resolution for Morris, but Helen returns to college and Frank becomes a Jew. Both are resolved to make their lives into something they can admire.