How to Write a GREAT Ending! The Three-Part Act III
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THE THREE-PART ACT III
Act III is generally the final 20 to 30 minutes in a film, or the last 70 to 100 pages in a 400-page novel. The final quarter, and the shortest quarter. At least, it should feel like the shortest quarter! You definitely don’t want to drag it out.
In a shorter film or book, Act III can be very simple, basically just two things: a FINAL BATTLE and RESOLUTION. It can often be one continuous sequence: the chase and confrontation, or confrontation and chase. There may be a final preparation for battle, or it might be done on the fly.
In a lot of Act IIIs, you see a bit more than that - but it’s still simple. And here’s a useful pattern to be aware of.
Act III is very often divided into two major sequences, and a third, shorter, but important sequence or scene:
1. Getting there (STORMING THE CASTLE)
2. The FINAL BATTLE itself
3. The RESOLUTION and NEW WAY OF LIFE
And I hope this Three-Part Act III concept will take away some of your anxiety about writing it!
Read more about the elements you find in each part and much more on the website:
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These videos are excerpts from the Screenwriting Tricks for Authors workshop, © Alexandra Sokoloff