Post #5 The 5 Acts

 The 5 Acts of Murder Mystery

In the murder mystery genre, there are usually 5 acts that occur throughout the media text. Throughout the 5 acts, the elements above are strewn out.

ACT 1: The Crime

This act showcases the first crime, it isn't always the actual murder that takes place, but it does usually introduce the audience to either the perpetrator, victim, or both. This event usually is the main reason the detective(s) are present in the next act.

ACT 2: Detective Introduced

Like previously stated, the crime shown in act 1 is the usually the main reason the investigator is introduced. however sometimes they are introduced to the crime by a friend or piece of information such as a letter, to have them find the victim themselves. the detective is often led astray with misinformation or dead-end, and then a second murder occur, in which they figure out more information.

ACT 3: Crime Solved

The beginning of this act often starts with the detective and possibly a sidekick current theory's, during this time the murderer often has the upper hand. They then piece together the new information from the second crime and usually solves the identity of the killer and ends this act with the detective having the upper hand.

ACT 4:The Trap/Reveal

In this act, the detective has setup a trap for the killer, the killer often thinks they are about to get away with another crime, abut is stopped and arrested. This is also the act that usually reveals the killer to the audience.

ACT 5: The End

This act shows the final explanation of the evidence and resolves the relationship arcs between the detective and other characters. The detective is last seen usually going back to their everyday life.

Knowing how murder mystery texts are often structured, helps me as a creator, to be able to have an outline of sorts. I have a guideline that is often used for when I get stuck in the planning and executing my film opening. it can also let me plan for a twist somewhere in the film, but still have most of the common characteristics of the murder mystery genre.