Answering the daily questions!
What do you think is the purpose of the three act structure?
The three act structure is a guiding post for stories that has worked since basically the beginning of stories. It introduces characters, a conflict, and a resolution.
Why do you think this structure is the most popular among storytellers across the world?
Itâs popular because it works. Thereâs lots of ways to manipulate it. Itâs a general outline with tons of wiggle room.
What issues do you think sticking rigidly to a three act structure could cause?
Personally? Not a lot. A lot of stories that may seem like theyâre not three act structures could potentially be three act structures. Going with the three acts doesnât necessarily mean there needs to be a singular timeline, point of view, etc. Thereâs a lot of movement and a lot of ways to move around.
If there is one issue, it could be potentially focusing too much on plot development or character development, instead of finding a nice ground between the two.
What works can you think of that use a simple three act structure?
Most things I think of use three act structures. @saintc mentioned romance, and I agree with that. A lot of childrenâs, middle grade, and teen also use the three act structure.
What works can you think of that break the rules of the three act structure?
A lot of sequels break away from the three act. Especially in trilogies, the middle book can tend to me a middle ground between an overarching story. Instead of having one storyline that connects the three, sometimes itâs the middle act of the bigger picture.