Narrative structure
Most narratives will have a clear structure.
The simplest is the three act structure which is used by most mainstream films.
In a three act structure, the story has a clear beginning, middle and end.
In the beginning, the rules of the world and its characters will be established but this act will end with the arrival of a person or event which threatens to disrupt that world.
In the middle, the disruptions caused by that act will play out, causing drama and conflict.
In the end, this drama and conflict will be resolved and a new normal is established.
Toy Story (1995) is a good example of a film with a clear three act narrative.
The table below explains how the three act structure applies to Toy Story (1995):
| Description | |
| Setting | A world where toys come to life when children and adults are not looking. |
| Act 1: The beginning | The toys in the film belong to Andy, a small boy who is unaware that his toys are alive. Woody enjoys being Andy’s favourite plaything and the leader of the other toys. His position is threatened by the arrival of an exciting new toy, Buzz Lightyear. |
| Act 2: The middle | Woody plots against Buzz but his plan goes wrong and both characters are captured by Sid, a cruel boy who enjoys dismantling and destroying toys. Worse still, Andy is about to move house and if they do not return to him soon they will never see him again. Woody and Buzz resolve their differences and agree to work together to escape. |
| Act 3: The end | Woody and Buzz work together to defeat Sid and, in an exciting climax, are reunited with Andy. |
| Setting | |
| Description | A world where toys come to life when children and adults are not looking. |
| Act 1: The beginning | |
| Description | The toys in the film belong to Andy, a small boy who is unaware that his toys are alive. Woody enjoys being Andy’s favourite plaything and the leader of the other toys. His position is threatened by the arrival of an exciting new toy, Buzz Lightyear. |
| Act 2: The middle | |
| Description | Woody plots against Buzz but his plan goes wrong and both characters are captured by Sid, a cruel boy who enjoys dismantling and destroying toys. Worse still, Andy is about to move house and if they do not return to him soon they will never see him again. Woody and Buzz resolve their differences and agree to work together to escape. |
| Act 3: The end | |
| Description | Woody and Buzz work together to defeat Sid and, in an exciting climax, are reunited with Andy. |
