Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand the Three Act Structure: setup, confrontation, resolution.
• Write their own sketch or comedy scene using the Three Act Structure.

The Three-Act Structure

Understanding the three act structure is essential for any comedy writer. This framework provides a clear outline for how to structure a comedic story. The three act structure consists of the setup, confrontation, and resolution, each serving a specific purpose in developing a compelling and funny narrative.

In the setup, the audience is introduced to the characters, setting, and initial situation. This is where the foundation for the comedic elements is laid out and the stage is set. The confrontation is where the conflict escalates, leading to a series of comedic complications and obstacles for the characters to overcome. Finally, the resolution brings closure to the story, resolving the conflict in a satisfying and often humorous way.

ACT ONE: The Setup (Beginning)

Roughly 25% of the story

This act introduces:

• The main characters
• The setting
• The premise or world of the story
• The central conflict or goal

Key Elements

Hook: The opening that grabs the audience's attention.

Inciting Incident: A turning point or event that disrupts the status quo and launches the story into motion.

Plot Point 1: The moment when the protagonist commits to a goal or is forced into action.

Example:

In a romantic comedy, this might be where the two love interests meet under awkward or funny circumstances.

ACT TWO: The Confrontation (Middle)

Roughly 50% of the story

This is the longest and most dynamic section. It shows the protagonist actively trying to achieve their goal, facing escalating obstacles and in comedy almost always failing.

Key Elements

Rising Action: The tension builds. Challenges increase.

Subplots: B and C plots can be introduced here. (romance, friendships, rivalries) that support or contrast the main plot.

Midpoint: A major twist or revelation that changes the direction of the story.

Plot Point 2 / Crisis: Things go wrong. The protagonist hits their lowest point or faces a tough decision.

Example:

In a sitcom this would be where the part of the episode, where the initial situation (letting a couch-surfer stay) starts to spiral out of control and the main character faces various challenges in trying to get rid of them.

ACT THREE: The Resolution (End)

Roughly 25% of the story

This act brings the story to a climax and then resolves the remaining loose ends.

Key Elements

Climax: The final confrontation or peak emotional moment. The protagonist faces their biggest challenge.

Falling Action: The consequences of the climax unfold.

Denouement: Final resolution—what life looks like after the story ends.

Example:

In a dark comedy this would be where the main character confronts the killer during a live podcast stream. He confesses everything... but only because he thinks it’ll make him famous. As the police close in, the main character realises she’s getting more subscribers than ever before.

Why It Works

Audience expectations: People are naturally wired to understand and enjoy stories with a beginning, middle, and end.

Emotional rhythm: The Three-Act Structure mirrors the emotional journey we go on in real life—challenge, struggle, resolution.

Adaptability: It works for everything screenplays, sitcoms, jokes and reels.

Writers Tip

Think of it like a rollercoaster:

• Act One gets you on the ride.
  
• Act Two takes you up, twists you around, and drops you.
• Act Three brings you safely back to the ground—with a new perspective.

Assignment

Using the Three-Act Structure resource, write your own original comedy scene or sketch.
Make sure your scene includes all three acts—Setup, Escalation, and Resolution—and clearly identify each act within your writing.