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

Huck escapes from his father and meets Jim on the island. After discovering there’s a search party, they take to the Mississippi River on their raft.

Act II

Huck and Jim travel down the Mississippi River, encountering many people on the way. After the Wilks scheme is ruined, the king sells Jim back into slavery.

Act III

Huck and Tom attempt to free Jim. After much hullabaloo and the consequential failure of the plan, Tom reveals Jim is actually already free. Huck decides he’s going to head west.

Trivia

Booker’s Seven Basic Plots Analysis: Voyage and Return