Story Structure and Plot
Dramatic Crisis
“Drama is the reaction of character to crisis”
A crisis disrupts the balance or status quo of
the story.
Example: Unforgiven
•William Munny has given up his outlaw ways, until “The
Schofield Kid” shows up at his pig farm in Kansas
•Balance or status quo = conditions or
relationships in place when story begins
–Balance may be shown or implied (even after
disordering event)
–Story may begin with existing imbalance (Rear
Window)
•Dramatic crisis is precipitated by a disordering
event (also known as “Inciting or Precipitating
Incident”)
–Disordering event launches your story
–Your disordering event should occur as early as
possible in the screenplay (i.e., On the Waterfront)
•The life of professional photographer L.B. Jefferies has
already been partially “disordered” before the start of
Rear Window
Three Act Structure
Act I:
Act II:
Act III:
Three Act Structure
Act I: Hero takes on problem (25 minutes)
