The Four-Act Story Structure of The Modern Myth

A large majority of films are composed of a three-act structure, the setup, the confrontation, and the resolution. However, after having watched and studied a myriad of movies of different genres, I personally find it easier when writing to build my own plots upon a four-act structure instead. Both structures are extremely similar and really only differentiate from one another with the middle of the plot; instead of having one large chunk of the story in the second act, the four-act structure simply cuts it in half, making it easier to track both the progression of plot and character development. I’ve created my own formula of the four-act structure, which is composed of several elements from Campbell, Gulino, Lucas, and Watts’s story structure, that I’d like to share with you. Since comic-book movies seem to reign as the “modern myth,” it seems fit to break down the story structure of two characters from the genre: Thor in Thor: Ragnarok and Diana in Wonder Woman.

ACT ONE

The first act should contain the first quarter of your story. This includes the setup of 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 the curiosity beyond that zone. The “Glimpse” should be a character or event which sets the character off from that comfort zone.

IDENTITY

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

DIANA = Themyscira and identity as a warrior.

GLIMPSE

THOR: Searching for Odin with Loki;

hammer 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

ACT TWO

The second act is the “Transition” from the ordinary world or comfort zone to the special world. This quarter of the plot builds to the midpoint of the plot where the first taste of the protagonist’s power and potential. Act Two is also divided into two parts: the “Unfamiliar Situation” and the “Surprise.” The “Unfamiliar Situation” would be the introduction of the hero in a new environment and the struggle adapting to it. The “Surprise” would be the instance when the protagonist gains a new skill and 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 Contest of Champions.

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

ACT THREE

Being the start of the second half of the film, this is when the protagonist is “Fully-Committed” as well as the time when the urgency of the plot should begin 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. “Paying the Price” the calm before the storm or the realization that what they previously believed was wrong all along.

CRITICAL CHOICE

THOR = Deciding to escape and return 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, losing his eye in the process.

DIANA = Realizing Ludendorff is not Ares after killing him.

ACT FOUR

The fourth and final act is the “Resolution” of the entire story, where the story’s main question is finally answered. Act Four is divided in two sections, the “Tightrope” and the “Destination.” The “Tightrope” is the final push of the plot 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.

TIGHTROPE

THOR = embraces the entirety of his potential power. Realizes he must cause Ragnarok and destroy Asgard in order to defeat Hela and releases Surtur, who kills Hela.

DIANA = learns Sir Patrick was Ares all along and that mankind isn’t entirely corrupted; embraces the entirety of her potential power 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 as a guardians and protector of mankind for years.