The Four Act Structure: What It Is + How It Works

“What is the Four Act Structure?”

I talk a lot about the Three Act Structure on this site, but a few months ago, a friendly reader asked me this question—and, well, it sent me down a rabbit hole I’m only just emerging from. Believe it or not, the Three Act Structure and Four Act Structure aren’t distant cousins, but nearly identical twins.

Despite this, the Four Act Structure has won me over. This story structure has a lot to offer, providing a helpful guide to plot and pacing that’s useful no matter where you are in the writing process. So, let me show you why I’ve decided to forsake the Three Act Structure in favor of its four-part sibling! (more…)