Brideshead Revisited Three Act Plot Analysis

Act I

Charles meets Sebastian and makes several trips to Brideshead, where he is captivated by the estate and drawn into the Flyte family and all the baggage that goes with them.

Act II

Sebastian becomes an alcoholic, Julia’s marriage to Rex is on the rocks, Charles hates his wife, his paintings are easy and boring, and Lady Marchmain has died without reconciling with her son. The affair between Charles and Julia begins.

Act III

Charles and Julia eventually break up, Lord Marchmain dies, and Cordelia predicts Sebastian’s death.