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

From the beginning until the moment that Oliver is first arrested as a thief.

Act II

Includes Oliver’s friendship with Mr. Brownlow and his kidnapping by Nancy and Sikes, lasting until the attempted robbery of the Maylies house that gets him shot.

Act III

Oliver is cured and reunited with Mr. Brownlow; Nancy’s information allows them to stop Monks’s plot against Oliver and restore Oliver’s inheritance. All the good guys live happily ever after, except for Nancy, who gets murdered.

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