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

Thomas More, Peter Giles, and Raphael Hythloday meet up and decide to have a philosophical chat.

Act II

Sitting in Peter Giles' garden, they debate how effective philosophy can be in changing political policy. Hythloday mentions this country called Utopia and they're all hooked. They break for lunch but want to reconvene later and hear more.

Act III

Hythloday provides a detailed description of the country and customs of Utopia. While neither More nor Giles is as blown away as Hythloday, they all agree that it raises some interesting questions about how to run a country.