Writing Excuses Writing Excuses Season 2 Episode 8: The Three Act Structure with Bob Defendi
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Dec 1, 2008 Professor Bob Defendi, an expert in writing structures and author of "Death by Cliché," joins Dan and Howard to demystify the three-act structure. They dive deep into Act 1, discussing character development and common pitfalls. The conversation shifts to the tension-filled Act 2, where they explore 'try-fail cycles' and how to keep audiences hooked through unexpected twists. Defendi emphasizes the importance of a strong denouement, providing closure to characters and viewers alike, while injecting humor throughout the discussion.
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Core Three-Act Structure
- The three-act structure divides storytelling into three essential stages: the initial problem, the discovery of a bigger problem, and ultimate triumph.
- This structure applies beyond movies, relevant across many narrative forms.
Focus of Act 1
- In Act 1, establish characters, conflict, setting, and the initial problem.
- End Act 1 with your protagonist's first failure or realization that the problem is bigger than expected.
Writing Act 2 Challenges
- Act 2 is the hardest part to write, full of try-fail cycles that deepen conflict.
- Keep readers engaged by showing characters trying and failing multiple times with external complications.