A demonstration of how modern mainstream screenwriting derives its basic shape from the 2500-year-old model of Aristotle.

1. The Aristotelian Paradigm (aka Three-Act Structure)

2. ARISTOTLE 384-322 BC Student of Plato and Socrates who rose to become the most influential of revolutionary thinkers at the height of the Greek empire. An artist, scientist, and philosopher, Aristotle single-handedly founded the sciences of Logic, Biology, and Psychology – and revolutionized Philosophy entirely. Like all prominent Greek philosophers of his time, he was passionate about the ARTS.

3. Dramatic storytelling in the form of theatrical performance was still new ... and rather mysterious!

5. Aristotle observed that successful plays tended to have a certain SHAPE which unsuccessful plays did not. In other words, audiences seemed to be pleased when certain kinds of dramatic events occurred at specific moments in the performance.

6. Beginning Middle End Introduction Complication Resolution CLIMAX (with CATHARSIS) denouement The Aristotelian Paradigm C O N F L I C T

7. So when motion pictures came along, the first filmmakers wisely realized they’d be fools not to stick with the time-honored guidance of the Aristotelian paradigm!

8. 25% -- ACT ONE 25% 25% 50% -- ACT TWO 25% -- ACT THREE Introduction Complication Resolution CLIMAX (with CATHARSIS) denouement C O N F L I C T

9. Introduction Complication Resolution CLIMAX (with CATHARSIS) denouement 25% -- ACT ONE 25% 25% 50% -- ACT TWO 25% -- ACT THREE

10. So how is this of practical use to screenwriters?

11. So in a 100-page script... Complication Introduction Complication Resolution CLIMAX (with CATHARSIS) denouement C O N F L I C T Page 1 Page 25 Page 50 Page 75 Page 95 Page 100