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

After a troubled childhood and adolescence, Antoinette meets and marries Edward Rochester.

Act II

While their honeymoon is passionate at first, it cools drastically when Rochester receives a letter containing malicious gossip about Antoinette. It becomes downright frigid when Antoinette drugs Rochester and Rochester sleeps with Antoinette's maid.

Act III

Rochester hides Antoinette away in his estate in England, but she escapes with murderous dreams of setting fire to the whole place.

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