Plot Structure of Theater and Film

Plot Structure of Theater and Film

The 5 Act Play

Many of Shakespeare's plays happen in 5 acts; for example, there are 5 acts in Romeo and Juliet.

Act 1: The exposition

• character/background information

• setting

Act 2: The Conflict

• main problem introduced

• protagonist and antagonist identified

Act 3: Rising Action

• the protagonist tries to solve the problem

• other characters assist the protagonist

• setbacks and steps forward

Act 3: Climax

• highest point of tension

• decides the fate of the protagonist

Act 4: Falling Action

This is the transition from the climax, bringing us to the denouement, or ending.

Act 5: Resolution

• the conflict is resolved

• characters exit

• things end pretty badly in a tragedy and may not seem all together resolved...

Multiple Choice

What happens in Act 1 of a play?

• The conflict is introduced

• We learn about the setting

• Characters work towards a solution

• The protagonist is identified

Multiple Choice

Which act typically contains the climax?

• Act 1

• Act 2

• Act 3

• Act 4

Multiple Choice

In which act would you expect to discover the main conflict?

• Act 2

• Act 3

• Act 4

• Act 5

Multiple Choice

Choose the best answer:

Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy because

• Romeo and Juliet can't be together

• Families shouldn't say who their children can and can't love

• The heroes die because of their poor choices

• The play shows that life is full of pain and suffering