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

Eddie has just a little "too much love" for his niece, Catherine. Two of his wife's illegal immigrant cousins, Marco and Rodolpho, come to stay. When Catherine starts dating Rodolpho, Eddie swears to stop the relationship at all costs.

Act II

Eddie tries everything possible to stop the relationship. He tries to convince Catherine that Rodolpho just wants to marry her so that she can be a citizen. She doesn't buy it. He goes to a lawyer. There's nothing the law can do. He forces kisses on both Catherine and Rodolpho in a drunken show of dominance. Hmm, we can't imagine why that didn't win anybody over. Act II comes to a boil when Eddie calls Immigration. Marco and Rodolpho are arrested.

Act III

Eddie's shameful betrayal backfires. Everybody in the neighborhood hates him. Marco and Rodolpho get bailed out of jail by Eddie's own lawyer. Rodolpho and Catherine plan to get married even earlier so he won't get deported. In the end Marco and Eddie duke it out old west style. Eddie ends up getting stabbed with his own knife.

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