The first act introduces the characters, presents the first conflict that drives the characters on to the second act, and is usually about 30 minutes long. Ever After begins with the Queen of France meeting with the Brothers Grimm to tell them the true story of Cinderella. Danielle, or Cinderella, is left to live as a servant with her step-mother and step-sisters after her father dies. One day, she receives 20 gold coins from Prince Henry after he attempts to steal their horse. Danielle takes the coins to buy back a servant that her step-mother sold. There, she runs into Henry again and to hide her true identity, she leaves him with her mother’s name. This marks the end of the first act. The first conflict being, will Henry and Danielle ever meet again?
The second act consists of the rising action brought by the first conflict and ends with a second conflict. It usually lasts about 30-60 minutes, the majority of the movie. It begins with Henry’s father telling him that he must choose a bride by the ball or agree to an arranged marriage. Henry finds out where Danielle lives and takes her out. They end up staying out all night and begin to fall in love. The next day, Danielle’s step-mother finds out that Danielle has been secretly seeing Henry and becomes enraged. Meanwhile, Danielle meets with Henry to tell him the truth, but he doesn’t listen and she runs off upset. This marks the end of the second act. The second conflict being, will Henry ever know the truth and what will happen to Danielle now?
The third act is usually about 30 minutes long, consists of the climax that answers the questions brought on by the second act, and resolves them with a happy ending. Danielle gets thrown into the cellar and locked away; however she manages to get out and goes to the ball. The climax of the movie is when she is at the ball and her true identity is revealed, leaving Henry upset by her betrayal. Then the falling action begins. Danielle is sold to a rich benefactor; meanwhile Henry decides that he cannot go through with his arranged marriage and goes after Danielle. He finds her as she is escaping and apologizes. They get married and live happily ever after.
Three act structure movies include an introduction, a complication, and a resolution. They are also known as the happy ending structure. Ever After is a good example because it follows the rules perfectly.
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