Editing Research/Fiction Writing/Story Beats (section)

=== Three-act structure ===
Sources:
* [https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/ Reedsy]
* [https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/three-act-structure/ Reedsy]
Three-act structure is the broadest diagnostic map:
* '''Act I: Setup''' — establishes world, protagonist, desire/lack, stakes, disruption, and first major commitment.
* '''Act II: Confrontation''' — protagonist pursues goal through complications, reversals, midpoint shift, rising stakes, and deepening opposition.
* '''Act III: Resolution''' — crisis becomes unavoidable; protagonist makes final choice; consequences land.
Common beat percentages for a full manuscript:
* Inciting Incident: around 10–15%
* First Plot Point / Act II entry: around 20–25%
* Midpoint: around 45–55%
* Second Plot Point / Act III entry: around 70–80%
* Climax: final 10–15%
Revision use:
* If Act I runs too long, the story may delay its central promise.
* If Act II lacks a midpoint reversal, the middle may feel repetitive.
* If Act III introduces new rules or powers, the ending may feel unearned.
* If the protagonist does not choose at major act turns, agency is weak.