A majority of films are composed of three acts: the setup, the confrontation, and the resolution. However, after having watched and studied movies from a myriad of genres, I personally find it easier to write with a four-act structure instead. While both structures are similar, they differentiate from one another in the middle of the plot; instead of having one large chunk of the story in the second act, the four-act structure cuts it in half, making it easier to track both the progression of plot and character development. I have created my own formula for the four-act structure, composed of several elements from story structure used by Joseph Campbell, George Lucas, and several other writers. Since comic-book movies reign as the “modern myth,” it seems fitting to break down the story structure of two films from the genre: Thor: Ragnarok and Wonder Woman.

 

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Act One

The first act contains the first quarter of your story. This includes setting up your protagonist as well as the objective or goal of the plot. Act One is divided into two halves: the Identity and the Glimpse. The Identity establishes the protagonist’s comfort zone as well as their curiosity beyond that zone, like following a dream or escaping a threat. The Glimpse should be a character or event which sets the character off from that comfort zone.

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IDENTITY

 

THOR: Comfort zone is both Asgard and his identity as a hero.

 

DIANA: Comfort zone is Themyscira and her identity as a warrior.

 

GLIMPSE

 

THOR: Searching for Odin with Loki: Mjolnir destroyed by Hela, who threatens both Asgard and all the Realms.

 

DIANA: Steve Trevor and the battle on the beach: the death of Antiope and the World War beyond Themyscira.

 

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Act Two

The second act is the Transition from their comfort zone to the special world. This quarter of the plot builds to the midpoint where the protagonist first tastes their power and potential. Act Two is divided into two parts: the Unfamiliar Situation and the Surprise. The Unfamiliar Situation is the introduction of the hero to a new environment and their struggle adapting to it. The Surprise is the instance when the protagonist gains a new skill and, therefore, gives the audience hope for their success.

 

UNFAMILIAR SITUATION

 

THOR: Sakaar and being enslaved as a gladiator.

 

DIANA: London and the horrors of war on the front.

 

SURPRISE

 

THOR: Nearly defeating the Hulk in the Contest of Champions.

 

DIANA: Crossing No Man’s Land and defeating the Germans.

 

 

 

Act Three

This is the point when the protagonist is Fully-Committed as well as the time when the urgency should start to amp up. The bad guys are closing in and the protagonist will experience a major blow to their quest. These two halves can be identified as the Critical Choice and Paying the Price. The Critical Choice is when the hero is pushed to their limit and the first instance of failure during the film. Paying the Price is the calm before the storm and the realization that what they had believed was wrong.

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CRITICAL CHOICE

 

THOR: Escaping and returning to Asgard to defeat Hela.

 

DIANA: Missing her chance to kill Ares and the small town being gassed.

 

PAYING THE PRICE

 

THOR: Being overpowered by Hela and losing his eye in the process.

 

DIANA: Realizing Ludendorff was not Ares after killing him.

 

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Act Four

The fourth and final act is the Resolution of the entire story, where the story’s main question is answered. Act Four is divided into two sections: the Tightrope and the Destination. The Tightrope is the final push, which lands the protagonist in the showdown between them and the main antagonist. The “Destination” takes place after the hero’s victory and establishes what they have gained or realized from their journey.

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TIGHTROPE

 

THOR: Embraces the entirety of his potential power. Realizes he must unleash Ragnarok and destroy Asgard in order to defeat Hela.

 

DIANA: Learns Sir Patrick was Ares all along and that mankind isn’t entirely corrupted. Embraces the entirety of her potential and defeats Ares.

 

DESTINATION

 

THOR: Steps up as the new King of Asgard and sets course for Earth to find a new home for his people.

 

DIANA: Becomes Wonder Woman and remains guardian and protector of mankind for years.