Stories for the screen, like written texts, are structured. There are many types of story structures, the most common being the three-act structure. If a story is structured using a three-act structure it has a beginning, a middle, and an end. 

Put simply, each act plays a role in the overall development of the story and includes: 

Act 1: Introduces characters and the world, establishing the status quo. An inciting incident disrupts normalcy, propelling the protagonist into conflict. 

Act 2: Intensifies challenges, with characters responding and evolving. Midpoint presents a twist, thrusting the protagonist in a new direction. 

Act 3: Escalates tension, leading to the climax, and resolution. 

After watching Windcatcher, discuss this three-act structure as a class and have students research this structure further if required. Ask pairs of students to identify what happens in each act of this film, taking notes to summarise events for acts 1, 2 and 3.  

Invite students to share their findings in a class reflection, highlighting and examining any differences between their summaries and discussing possible reasons for this.