Category Archives: Acts

Questions About Act Order in Different Cultures

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Melanie Anne Phillips

A writer asked the following question regarding my earlier article, “Changing Dramatica’s Suggested Act Order.” How does one go about sussing this out? What approach would you recommend if I were trying to figure out which argument is primary in … Continue reading →

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3 Act vs. 4 Act Structure

Posted on April 14, 2010 by Melanie Anne Phillips

The following  excerpt is taken from The Dramatica Class Transcripts William S1 : After working so long in 3-act structure, I’m unclear on Dramatica’s four-act structure. Dramatica : Okay, let’s address that question… Dramatica sees both a structural and a … Continue reading →

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Characters in the Middle of Act Three

Posted on April 9, 2010 by Melanie Anne Phillips

In baseball, they call it the “seventh inning stretch.” In stories, it is called the middle of act 3. Up to this point, your characters and your reader/audience have been on a roller coaster that’s been going higher and higher, … Continue reading →

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What Happens in Acts One, Two and Three?

Posted on April 9, 2010 by Melanie Anne Phillips

ACT ONE Act one is about the Set Up. It establishes the way things are when the problem begins. It introduces the problem, establishes the goal and its requirements, as well as the consequences if the goal is not achieved. … Continue reading →

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Genre – Act by Act

Posted on April 1, 2010 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Many writers have a misconception that genre is something you “write in” – like a box. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Genre is the overall mood of a story, created through structural and storytelling elements and approaches. This … Continue reading →

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3 Act vs. 4 Act Structure

Posted on February 24, 2010 by Melanie Anne Phillips

The following is a transcript from an online class on the Dramatica theory of story hosted by its co-creator, Melanie Anne Phillips signed on as Dramatica: William S1 : After working so long in 3-act structure, I’m unclear on Dramatica’s … Continue reading →

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