5 Act Structure & Examples — Dramatic Structure

Structures of a Play

Plays have been a popular form of entertainment since ancient Greece. One important aspect of playwriting is the use of a formal plot structure, such as the five-act dramatic structure, to provide a clear and organized framework for constructing a story. Structuring helps writers to create a cohesive plot with well-defined plot points and character arcs, which can enhance the audience's enjoyment and understanding of the play. There are two main types of dramatic structures used to characterize plays. Aristotle was one of the first to write about drama and describe its three segments: beginning, middle, and end. Over time, dramas evolved, the Roman poet, Horace advocated for five acts, and many centuries later, a German playwright, Gustav Freytag, developed the five-act structure commonly used today to analyze classical and Shakespearean dramas. Exploring the elements of five act structures in a play can lead to an exciting journey of discovery. It uncovers the pivotal plot points, character developments, and thematic motifs that bring the story to life. Not only does this heighten the enjoyment of the play, but it also provides a powerful framework for analyzing and interpreting it. This structure has become one of the most popular dramatic structures used in successful novels, short stories, and one-scene plays, as it provides a clear story shape and building blocks for writers to create compelling plots and well-developed characters, including secondary characters. The pattern of this five-act story structure can be seen in the familiar plot diagram called Freytag's pyramid, also known as the dramatic arc. It is a visual representation of a five-act play that shows the structure of the plot in terms of exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution:

The Three Act Structure

Aristotle believed that every piece of poetry or drama must have a beginning, middle and end. These divisions were developed by the Roman, Aelius Donatus, and called Protasis, Epitasis, and Catastrophe. The three-act story structure has seen a revival in recent years, as cinema blockbusters and hit TV shows have adopted it.

The Five Act Structure

The five act structure expands the classical divisions and can be overlaid on a traditional plot diagram, as it follows the same five parts. Shakespearean plays especially are known for following this structure.

In the illustration above, the narrative arc of the Plot Diagram is between the Five Act Structure (top) and Aristotle’s divisions (bottom).

Format of a Five Act Plot Structure

Act 1: The Exposition

Here, the audience learns the setting (time/place), characters are developed, and a conflict is presented, usually with the introduction of some form of exciting force. An exciting force or what can be referred to as an inciting incident can be in the form of an event or circumstance that disrupts the status quo and sets the plot in motion, leading the protagonist to take action and begin their journey of self-discovery.

Act 2: Rising Action

The action of this act leads the audience to the climax. It is common for complications to arise, or for the protagonist to encounter obstacles.

Act 3: The Climax

This is the turning point of the play. The climax is characterized by the highest amount of suspense.

Act 4: Falling Action

Falling action is the part of a play where the conflict that was introduced in the rising action begins to unravel and the tension starts to dissipate. During this stage, the protagonist's struggles are often resolved, and the audience can begin to see the consequences of their actions.

Act 5: Denouement or Resolution

This is the final outcome of the drama. Here the author's tone about his or her subject matter is revealed, and sometimes a moral or lesson is learned.

How to Write Five-Act Structures

Understanding that the two dramatic structures, namely the three-act and five-act structures, have different components and plot points is crucial for writers and analysts of plays. The following steps outline how to write a play using the five act structure.

Identify the Key Plot Points: Begin by identifying the main events that will shape the story, such as the inciting incident, the climax, and the resolution.
Divide the Story Into Five Acts: Divide the story into five parts: the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Set the Stage: The introduction should establish the setting and introduce the main characters, while also setting up the main conflict that will drive the story.
Build the Tension: In the rising action, the protagonist should face increasingly difficult obstacles that raise the stakes and create tension for the audience.
Reach the Climax: The main climatic moment is the turning point of the story, where the protagonist must confront the main conflict and make a crucial decision.
Begin the Resolution: The falling action should provide a sense of closure and begin to tie up loose ends from the story.
Bring the Story to a Close: In the resolution, the protagonist should achieve some form of resolution, either positive or negative, that provides a sense of closure for the audience.
Edit and Revise: Once the story is complete, revise and edit the structure as needed to ensure that the story flows smoothly and the dramatic structure is effectively employed.

By following these steps, you can create a five-act dramatic structure that effectively engages your audience and provides a compelling narrative.

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Examples of the Five Act Structure with Shakespeare's Plays

Romeo and Juliet, one of Shakespeare's most well-known plays, serves as a good example of the five-act structure. By using Freytag's pyramid to analyze the plot, we can see how the play's events unfold and identify the key plot points that drive the story forward.

Romeo and Juliet

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