Drama Terminology: What is an Act in a Play?

In the context of drama, an act is a major division within a play. It is similar to a chapter in a book, serving to break up the overall story into smaller, more manageable sections. Typically, a play is divided into two or more acts, with each act containing multiple scenes. Acts help to structure the flow of the story and provide natural breaks for intermissions in live theater performances. In literature, acts are also found in scripts and playtexts, helping to guide actors and directors in understanding the pacing and progression of the narrative.