Picture this:
It is Saturday night at your local cineplex. The concession stand is bustling with activity. Excruciatingly long lines form outside the restrooms. The lobby overflows with multitudes of patrons checking their voice mails. Why aren’t these moviegoers actually watching the movie?
It must be the Second Act Syndrome.
Act Two, the longest of the acts, is usually the most difficult portion of a screenplay to write. After the buildup of Act One and before the fast-paced action of Act Three, the middle is where interest can start to fade. The result is the dreaded Second Act Syndrome.
Here are some general guidelines that can help keep your audience’s attention during the Second Act.
Barriers, Obstacles, and Complications
As Act Two progresses, the challenges should escalate in severity for your protagonist. There are many ways of doing this like:
· Have the protagonist try a new tactic that fails to work. This will force him to develop new strategies or skills.
· In addition to traditional plot points, create a dynamic action or event about every ten pages.
· An ally’s betrayal can wreak havoc in the protagonist’s life.
· Reveal devastating information.
· Remove the protagonist’s support system.
· During the Second Act, avoid making the antagonist the underdog.
Opportunity For Growth
At approximately the 45% mark of the script, incorporate a positive, pivotal moment for the protagonist related to the progress of the spine story or subplot. For example, the protagonist can experience some sort of minor success. Emotional, psychological, or spiritual epiphanies are effective also. Another instance is much needed assistance coming through. Still, the protagonist could receive useful information. The possibilities are endless.
False Sense Of Security
Right before the midpoint of the script, give the illusion that the problem is solved and all is well. The protagonist should have a more confident attitude, believing that everything is going to work out just fine.
The last three guidelines are traditional plot points, but are surprisingly overlooked by many writers.
The Big Turn Around
At the midpoint, give the protagonist a reversal. This event should send the story in a different direction, flip-flop the progress made up until this point, and leaves the protagonist in a worse position than where he started.
The Lowest Point
As a result of the reversal at the halfway point, success is pushed further away from the protagonist. He encounters difficulties that are nearly impossible to overcome. This leads to his lowest point where his willpower, strength, and faith are at rock-bottom. This occurs at about 75% of the script.
Ray Of Hope
The protagonist is given a final opportunity or assistance that strengthens his resolve to continue. Despite the overwhelming conflict, he trudges on to the climax.
Use these tips and you will be on your way to writing an attention-grabbing Act Two.
T. Robinson - I cut my teeth on horror movies thanks to a progressive mother who was a die-hard fan of the genre. My earliest and fondest memories are ...
