Act One

Definition

Act One is the initial segment of a screenplay that sets up the story, introduces key characters, and establishes the primary conflict. This act typically comprises around 25% of the total screenplay and serves as a foundation for the narrative arc by presenting the protagonist's world, their desires, and the inciting incident that propels them into action.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Act One introduces the main characters, often including their motivations, relationships, and flaws that will be explored throughout the story.
2. The setting is established during Act One, giving viewers an understanding of where and when the story takes place.
3. This act culminates in a significant turning point or revelation that shifts the narrative into Act Two, often referred to as the 'point of no return.'
4. Act One typically includes subplots that may connect to or contrast with the main plot, enriching the overall story.
5. Effective pacing is crucial in Act One to engage audiences quickly, ensuring they are invested in the characters and their journey right from the start.

Review Questions

• How does Act One establish the protagonist's world and set up the primary conflict?
  • Act One sets the stage for the entire screenplay by introducing the protagonist's everyday life, highlighting their desires and motivations. This act also presents supporting characters and their relationships with the protagonist. The inciting incident occurs towards the end of Act One, disrupting this established world and creating a central conflict that propels the protagonist into action, ultimately leading to challenges they must face in subsequent acts.
• Discuss how effective exposition in Act One can impact audience engagement and comprehension.
  • Effective exposition in Act One is crucial because it provides necessary background information about characters, settings, and events without overwhelming the audience. It helps viewers understand who the characters are, what they want, and why they should care about their journey. When done well, this creates an emotional connection between the audience and characters, enhancing engagement and making them invested in how conflicts will unfold.
• Evaluate how subplots introduced in Act One can enhance or complicate the main storyline.
  • Subplots introduced in Act One serve to enrich the narrative by adding layers to character development or exploring themes parallel to the main plot. They can provide contrast to the protagonist's journey or showcase different perspectives within the same world. However, if not carefully integrated, subplots may complicate the story or detract from its focus. A well-crafted subplot enhances the depth of Act One by reflecting or challenging the protagonist’s goals and conflicts.

Related terms

Inciting Incident: The event that disrupts the protagonist's normal life, triggering the main conflict and setting the story in motion.

Protagonist: The main character in a story who faces challenges and drives the narrative forward through their decisions and actions.

Exposition: The part of a story where background information about characters, settings, and events is provided to help the audience understand the context.