🟦 Act 1: The Setup (25%)

Who is the protagonist, what do they want, and what kind of world are they in?

Core Elements:

• Opening Image: A snapshot of the protagonist's "normal world" — gives a baseline for how things are before the story shakes it up.
• Inciting Incident (around 10%): The event that disrupts the status quo. It should force the protagonist to make a decision or face a challenge.
• Key Question: What does the protagonist want, and what’s in their way?
• Plot Point 1 (around 25%): The moment the protagonist crosses the threshold — commits to the journey or mission. There's no going back.

Example: A young engineer discovers a mysterious signal in deep space and decides to investigate, leaving Earth behind.

🟨 Act 2: The Confrontation (50%)

The longest section. Characters struggle, adapt, grow, and fail.

Core Elements:

• Rising Action / Tests & Trials: The protagonist faces increasing obstacles. They make allies, enemies, and mistakes. Often includes a B-story or subplot (e.g. romance, friendship, inner struggle).
• Midpoint (around 50%): A major twist or revelation. Raises the stakes. Often a “false victory” or “false defeat.”
• Inner Conflict Deepens: Protagonist must confront flaws or fears. The cost of failure becomes clearer.
• Plot Point 2 (around 75%): A major defeat, betrayal, or turning point. Often called the "All Is Lost" moment.

Example: The protagonist realizes the signal wasn't a call for help — it was a warning — and their actions have set a chain of events in motion.

🟥 Act 3: The Resolution (25%)

Climax, transformation, and conclusion.