HP Structure Idea

[Marcus]

No: HPFGUIDX 28211

In this posting, I am going to use the terms HP1, HP2, HP3 and HP4 to 
signify SS/PS, CoS, PoA, and GoF.  The reason will become evident, I 
hope.

In a traditional 3-act play, the first act introduces us to the 
characters and their situation.  The second act puts them into a 
tough situation.  The third act resolves the problem.  Think of the 
original "Star Wars" trilogy as a prime example.

With that in mind, look at the four HP books so far.  HP1, HP2, and 
HP3 are definitely first act.  Their main purpose is to introduce us 
to new characters and the HP universe.

However, the main conflict begins to take shape in HP3 with 
Trelawney's prediction and the escape of Wormtail.  Thus HP3 is not 
wholely first act but begins the transition to the second act.  This 
transition continues with HP4.  We are still being introduced to 
people and facets of the HP universe, but by the end of HP4 we are 
fully into act two.  Act one is fully ended since we now have been 
introduced to Voldemort and his Death-eaters.  

I suspect that in HP5, we are going deeper into the second act.  We 
will learn more about the main conflict other than just the main 
characters.  HP6 will continue, but start the transition to the third 
act.  By the end of HP6, we will start to see the light at the end of 
the tunnel, but it will be very dim.  HP7 will finally finish the 
third act.  This is why JKR states it is likely going to be the 
longest book of all.

Perhaps this helps explain why many people feel HP2 is the weakest 
book.  HP1 is all introduction.  We meet many people and we learn 
many facts -- clearly first act.  HP3 introduces us to Sirius, Remus, 
Wormtail, and much more -- clearly first act.  What does HP2 do?  
Well, it introduces us to Lockhart, who promptly leaves the scene.  
We do learn a few important things about the universe but little 
else.  The rest of the books introduce us to important characters and 
important facts.  HP2 confines itself to important facts.  Therefore, 
it is less satisfying.  Not necessarily bad, just less satisfying.  
It is less strong when compared to the other first act books.

Marcus