How To Find The Beginning Of Act 3 (with Video)

In the 3 Act Structure Model, we separate the story in three basic parts, the beginning, the middle and the end, so, we call Act 3 the end of the story. But how can we find where is Act 3?

When Act 3 begins?  
– When the story comes to its final step.

When we discussed about finding the beginning of Act 2, we compared the transition from Act 1 to Act 2 to a door between two worlds. When the heroine / hero of the story walks through the door, is the moment we leave Act I and we enter Act II.

Let’s see now, how to find the end of Act 2 and the beginning of Act 3 by comparing it to a staircase.

During Act 1 the basic problem of the protagonist has been set. In the Act 2, the protagonist begins her/his journey with the ultimate goal to solve that problem. In order to achieve the goal, the protagonist has to “climb a staircase,” to take some steps. These steps, all but one, are taking place during Act 2.
However, if, let’s say for example, the protagonist has to take 10 steps, then only 9 of them are going to be in Act 2. The 10th step, which is the final and the most important step, it will take place in Act 3.

Method to Find Act 3:

Watch the movie you’re interested in finding the beginning of Act 3 and then ask yourself the following questions:

1. What is the last major thing that happens in the story?
   Or the last major step that the protagonist takes?
2. When does this start happening? When does this sequence, with the last major event, actually start? When you find this, you have found the beginning of Act 3.

Let’s see some examples in films:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

What is the last major thing Marty needs to do in Back to the Future?

1. What is the last major thing that happens in the movie?
   Or the last major step Harry takes?
2. When does this start happening? When does this sequence, with the last major event, actually start?

1. The last major event that is taking place is when Harry meets Voldemort. Harry knows that Voldemort is trying to steal the philosopher’s stone, so he fights to prevent that from happening.
2. This sequence begins when Harry and his friends manage to pass by Fluffy, the three-headed dog, and encounter a series of obstacles, such as a wizard’s chess etc. In the final room, Harry, finds out that his teacher, Quirinus Quirrell, is possessed by Voldemort, and acts according to his will. Harry confronts Voldemort and seizes the stone. Quirrell attempts to get the stone and kill Harry, but Harry manages to burn his flesh with his bare hands and save himself and the stone.

The Silence of the Lambs

1. What is the last major thing that happens in the movie?
   Or the last major step Clarice takes?
2. When does this start happening? When does this sequence, with the last major event, actually start?

1. The last major event that is taking place is when Clarice confronts the killer, known as Buffalo Bill.
2. This sequence begins when Clarice visits the house of the first victim, which was Frederica Bimmel, after realising that she must have been close with the killer. Then, she meets with Frederica’s old friend which in turn, she leads her to the house of Mrs. Lippman, where the real killer lives.

If you want some more examples, you can watch the new episode by Scriptwriting Tips on “How to Find the Beginning of Act 3.”

Enjoy yourself and feel free to write your comments and thoughts!