Three-Act Structure

Ludic Narrational Structure cultural · western

The initial situation is established (Act I), a conflict escalates and reaches its climax (Act II), the resolution brings a solution or consequence (Act III). The most widespread Western narrative pattern.

Design question – What are your three acts – and what is the turning point that changes everything?

Reference example – Portal: first the test chambers, then at the incinerator the turn towards escape, and finally the confrontation with GLaDOS. Betrayal at House on the Hill: first the house is explored, with the haunt the game tips over, and everything heads for the showdown. Football: feeling out, the deciding phase, the closing phase – many matches follow this logic.

Compatible with

• Crescendo (DU-01) – Escalation across the acts.
• Wave (DU-02) – Tension waves within the acts with a climactic crescendo.