Which narrative structure is often employed in classic Hollywood films?

The three-act structure is a fundamental narrative framework commonly used in classic Hollywood films, which helps to create a clear and engaging storyline. This structure divides a film into three distinct parts: setup, confrontation, and resolution.

In the setup, the characters and the world of the story are introduced, establishing the context and the protagonist's goals. The confrontation presents the core conflict, where obstacles arise that challenge the protagonist, heightening tension and emotional engagement. Finally, the resolution ties up loose ends and provides a satisfying conclusion to the character arcs and major themes.

This structure is effective in guiding the audience's emotional responses and maintaining their interest throughout the film, making it a preferred choice for filmmakers in the classic era of Hollywood. It emphasizes clear character motivations and a compelling narrative progression, which aligns with audience expectations for coherent storytelling.

The other narrative structures mentioned, such as the five-act structure, non-linear structure, and circular structure, are less associated with classic Hollywood films. While they can be compelling in different contexts, they do not provide the same conventional approach to storytelling that the three-act structure does.