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

Meet Cute

The five Bennet sisters are trucking along being poor and single when three strangers start stirring up feelings: Mr. Bingley, who Jane falls in love with; Mr. Darcy, who Elizabeth falls in hate with; and Mr. Wickham, who is T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

Act II

Proposal, Round One

Mr. Darcy falls in love with Elizabeth despite her embarrassing family and despite that fact that he totally broke up Mr. Bingley and Jane. After Elizabeth forcefully rejects him, he writes her a letter explaining that she's basically 100% wrong about him. Just when things look like they might be picking up, Lydia's ridiculous elopement puts everyone's reputation in danger.

Act III

Proposal, Round Two

Darcy fixes things between Lydia and Wickham so he and Bingley can finally propose to the older Bennet sisters. Sweet! It's all good from here on out.