How to Tell Stories with a Three-Act Structure
7.5K views
lesson video
How to Tell Stories with a Three-Act Structure
courseMarvel's The Art of StorytellingFull course (130 lessons)
$249
comments 11
Gurveen Kaur
This was really interesting! I've been learning about this structure for my storyboarding purposes too and it's just really exciting seeing that being applied in comics. I was just wondering if you could perhaps present us with prompts or scenarios in an existing Marvel universe with the characters that we could flesh out into story sketches using the three act structure? It'll be fun to see your take on that too :)
LESSON NOTES

Marvel Super Heroes are known for their strong motivations, emotions, and flaws. A great Marvel story combines these aspects with challenges for the characters, and typically follows a three-act format: Introduction, Conflict, and Resolution. In this lesson Jim Zub breaks down this classic storytelling framework to show you the benefits of using it to craft impactful stories. There are more storytelling methods out there, but the Three-Act structure will get you quickly writing so you can start drawing your tales!

COMMENTS
Marvel
Jim Zub teaches you about the classic Three-Act structure for telling stories and provides you with some of his own examples where he’s used the Three-Act structure to write Marvel stories.
This discussion board is available for premium students.
itzel alvarez
This is a great way to learn to analyze movies and shows. I’m not a writer but I’ve had some ideas that I wanted to write for a comic, and I always got stuck int the middle part of the story. I know point “A” and point “B” but i couldn’t write what’s in between. Now I have to watch more movies and write them down.
@goatsurgeon
I happen to be very familiar with the three-act structure, I'm a published author through Black Hare Press based in Australia. I've written a few short stories for them. I'm not surprised comics follow the same elements of story writing that authors do.
Ernesto Carrasquillo
Really enjoyed the video and how Jim explains the 3 Act Story Structure! Can't wait to watch more, been taking notes.
Zachary Carlson
I'm very impressed by how well structured and put together this lesson was! It's very refreshing compared to many online courses I've experienced. It would be interesting to hear a little more about how Marvel thinks of the structure within a single issue compared to a larger story arc across several issues or a volume (e.g., mini 3-act structures within a larger 3-act structure?).
itzel alvarez
Me too, i personally like longer completed chapters. But comic issues are very impressive knowing that they have like 12 pages to continue a monthly story.
Neill Brengettsey
Hearing about his career journey and how it applies to this course is awesome. I wish more writers knew how to draw! Three Part story structure...
Nate
3yr
There is a lot of great information pack in this video, I had to watch it a few times and take notes. But Jim has simplified the Three-Act Structure process for me.
Low Horvath
three Act structure sounds like a great way to get into writing. I’m also reading this book on creating manga, it uses kishotenketsu (introduction , development , twist and conclusion, )so I’ve learned a little about that style as well . It’s interesting to compare the differences and similarities. Was happy to see it briefly mentioned here . I’m Going to try three act structures first. ( book is called manga in theory and practice, it’s a good read so far)
John B
3yr
Interesting! Perhaps you can incorporate it into the upcoming writing assignment that's coming out this week.
@andytheartman
Really enjoyed the lesson and am so looking forward to the idea generation section.
Gurveen Kaur
This was really interesting! I've been learning about this structure for my storyboarding purposes too and it's just really exciting seeing that being applied in comics. I was just wondering if you could perhaps present us with prompts or scenarios in an existing Marvel universe with the characters that we could flesh out into story sketches using the three act structure? It'll be fun to see your take on that too :)
Charlie Nicholson
At the end of next week, there will be an assignment that does just that!
Eric A
3yr
Had a flash back to my old CPI training (it's a conflict resolution course) with its parallels to the Three-Act structure. Really looking forward to putting this into practice.
John B
3yr
It's cool how we can draw from our previous experiences and apply them in new and interesting ways. I'm sure that course you took will help you with creating new stories using the three-act structure.
@cesarcarlos
Now we're talking!! This is what I was waiting for! :D :D
John B
3yr
Glad you're enjoying the content. There's a lot more to come!
Help!
Browse the FAQs or our more detailed Documentation. If you still need help or to contact us for any reason, drop us a line and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!