In which phase of the three-act structure do characters face challenges or obstacles?

In the three-act structure, the phase where characters face challenges or obstacles is known as the confrontation phase. During this part of the narrative, the protagonist encounters various conflicts and difficulties that they must navigate. These challenges serve to escalate tension and deepen the story while testing the characters' resolve, intentions, and growth.

The confrontation phase is crucial for character development; it forces characters to make decisions, confront their fears, and evolve in response to the situations they face. The conflicts can come from external sources, such as antagonists or environmental circumstances, or internal struggles within the characters themselves. This phase keeps the audience engaged and invested in the characters' journeys as they strive to overcome obstacles, ultimately leading to the climax of the story.

In contrast, the setup phase primarily establishes the characters, setting, and initial situation without significant conflict. The resolution phase occurs after the confrontation, where the conflicts are resolved, and the narrative comes to a conclusion. Development, while not a specific phase of the three-act structure, can refer to character growth throughout the entire narrative. Thus, the confrontation phase is clearly where the main challenges and obstacles are presented.