Film Plot Structure: What Does it Mean & How is Plot Structured in Film?
Plot structure for films, sometimes referred to as the film plot structure, can take many different forms. While most film plots are created around the basis of the three-act structure. Which effectively has a beginning, a middle, and an end. The actual art of storytelling which is determined by the film’s plot structure. It can change largely based on the narrative structure that is chosen. Essentially, film plot structure represents the sequence of events that take place throughout the film. In order to lead the hero to the desired goal or objective.
Sounds simple right?
But film plot structure is anything but simple! In fact, without understanding the basics of plot structure, a filmmaker or screenwriter can struggle deeply to find the most suitable method of delivering the desired story.
Screenwriters and filmmakers understand the importance of a film plot structure that is not only perfect for the story, but also for the target audience. You wouldn’t use a hard to follow plot structure for a young audience or kindergarten students — but you might for an adult.
What is the Film Plot Structure?
The plot structure represents the way that the plot (or the plan and main idea of the story) will play out from beginning, middle, and end. The sequence of events that are set to take place throughout the story can be delivered in a variety of different ways – this is the plot structure.
Sometimes plot structure is linear, and the events unfold in an A, B, C kind of order. Other times, there is a non-linear structure in which the sequence of events that take place is delivered in a pattern that is organized differently from the typical first this, then that, and then that happened sort of storytelling order.
Three-Act Structure: The Simplest Plot Structure for a Film
In the simplest and most basic form, a film plot structure may be delivered in the form of the three-act structure which is the structure that is commonly used in basic storytelling.
Using the three act film structure, each film plot is delivered via the following:
- The First Act: Which introduces the characters and the story, including all critical elements such as location, theme, and plot.
- The Second Act: Which focuses on the character’s problem, goals, or ideas and the stakes are raised towards achievement. This is the middle, and the meat of the story.
- The Third Act: Which focuses on the solved problem and reflection represents the end of the story.
Five Part Plot Structure
Film plot structure can also follow the five part pyramid in which either five (or sometimes six) parts are formed to produce the film.
These are common to many forms of literary work and include:
- Exposition
- Rising Action
- Climax
- Falling Action
- Denouement
Additional Film Plot Structures
In addition to the film plot structures that were explained above, sometimes the structure of the narrative takes a slightly different course. These, slightly more advanced and complex plot structures, are common in filmmaking and television.
They include:
The Hero’s Journey or Circular Structure
You may recall this structure in which the beginning of the film is also the end, the hero goes full circle throughout the story to come back to the ending.
Linear Structure
The story will unfold in an A, B, C narrative in which the events take place in chronological order.
Non-Linear Structure
The story unfolds in various orders, non-chronological, similar to the way the human memory works often bouncing around.
Film plot structure can be formed in a variety of different ways and is really contingent upon the audience and how the story can best be delivered while engaging and entertaining those it reaches.