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

Deborah's parents admit her to a mental hospital in the countryside outside of Chicago; she'll be treated for severe mental illness that led to a suicide attempt.

When she was five, Deborah had a tumor removed from her urethra, an experience that traumatized her and left her unable to trust anyone in her life. She also went to a summer camp where her fellow campers and counselors were openly anti-Semitic. To cope, Deborah invents a magical world called Yr, but over the years, even Yr starts to stink. Dr. Fried, a famous psychotherapist who works at the hospital, treats Deborah and tries to convince her over to join everyone on Earth. Deborah promises to try to get healthy.

Act II

Deborah works hard in therapy and even makes friends with a couple of her fellow patients. When Yr and Earth collide, however, it's as if volcano inside of her has finally erupted. She tries to burn herself to get rid of the pressure she feels building inside of her all of the time. Finally, burning herself isn't enough, because she actually starts to feel the pain of it. Deborah is no longer disassociated from herself: she's starting to become an Earth person, and Yr is starting to slip away. Mental health is in sight.

Act III

Deborah decides to get her GED and prepare herself to move into the real world. She rents a room near the mental hospital and struggles with the transition. There is one last epic battle between Yr and Earth, after which Deborah says goodbye to her imaginary world and hello to Earth.