Three-Act Plot Analysis

For a three-act plot analysis, put on your screenwriter’s hat. Moviemakers know the formula well: at the end of Act One, the main character is drawn in completely to a conflict. During Act Two, she is farthest away from her goals. At the end of Act Three, the story is resolved.

Act I

The characters are introduced. They want independence and self-sufficiency. Once they rebel, they have no choice but to be independent.

Act II

Disaster befalls the animals as the leadership begins to take advantage of, well, its leadership role. The windmill collapsing doesn’t help, either.

Act III

The animals try to overcome this problem. (Think Boxer: "I will work harder.") But it doesn’t work, and they are left at the mercy of the manipulative pigs, who have become indiscernible from the humans.

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