3 Act Structure in Monster's Inc.

The three-act structure or the Classical Hollywood structure is characterized by three events that set up the stage for the film, identify the main story, and finally resolve the issue of the film. Act one usually sets the location, scenery, characters, or central problem. Act two is where our characters either engage in an adventure in hopes of resolving that problem. The first two acts end with a turning point: either there is a plot twist or the stakes are raised higher (it usually tends to be sequential). And lastly, the third act resolves everything. The climax of the story tends to happen in act 3 as well.

A good example of a movie that closely follows this formula is Monsters Inc. In act 1 of the movie, the main characters, Mike and Sulley, are introduced. Their stage is set in Monsters Incorporated and the style is generally light hearted. However, act 1 leaves off with an unexpected twist, the first turning point: the discovery of a child in the factory, Boo.

Act 2 then proceeds to take the story to another level. Mike and Sulley are now trying to find out how they're going to get the child back into the human world at the cost of placing their jobs, and well being, in jeopardy. The adventure ensues. However, Randal, the story's main antagonist, is trying to disrupt their plans. Act 2 ultimately ends when Boo is kidnapped by Randal and the corporate head of Monsters Inc. while Sulley and Mike have been banished into the human world. The stakes are now higher since Boo's well-being is at risk.

Finally, Act 3 three begins once Mike and Sulley squirm their way back into the monster world in an attempt to save Boo. Sulley and Boo ultimately defeat Randal but that is not the climax. The climax happens when Mike creates a decoy while Boo and Sulley attempt to escape. Mr. Waternoose then chases them to the "Scaring Floor" where he reveals his evil plan to the fictional world's authorities and is then arrested for his deeds. The story begins to resolve after this part and Boo is sent back to the human world in a heart breaking episode.

But Pixar works its' charm and give the audience closure by reuniting both Sulley and Boo.