The Rule of 3 Explained — Why Three is Key to Comedy, Storytelling, and Character

Functions Rule of Three — We look at the different uses of triples in writing, from character to narrative structure.

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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to the Rule of Three
01:10 - Why the Rule of Three Matters
02:18 - Chapter 1: Dialogue
06:36 - Chapter 2: Plot & Structure
10:44 - Chapter 3: Characters
14:16 - Takeaways

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THE RULE OF 3 EXPLAINED

Good things come in threes, and nowhere is this more true than in writing. Since ancient times, writers and storytellers have used rules of three to create satisfying narratives. One time is an isolated incident. Twice is a coincidence. Three times is a pattern. In this video, we break down the many uses of the rule of three.

RULE OF THREE COMEDY AND DIALOGUE

In dialogue, the rule of three manifests as a rhythmic device that enhances the impact of speech. A character may list three reasons to justify a decision, or a persuasive argument might be structured in three parts, each reinforcing the speaker's point. This is often called a tricolon.

Comedic dialogue, meanwhile, often relies on setting up two similar ideas before delivering a punchline with the third, creating a pattern that primes audiences for the joke and enhances its impact. This technique leverages the element of surprise within a familiar structure, making the humor more effective.

NARRATIVE FUNCTIONS RULE OF THREE

Within the narrative, the rule of three provides a framework that feels both complete and satisfying. The classic three-act structure— setup, confrontation, and resolution— guides audiences through a coherent journey that mirrors life's trials, victories, and growth.

The rule of three can also be found in conflict. There are, you guessed it, three degrees of conflict: internal, interpersonal, and external. Using a mix of all three of these can give a narrative more variety and depth.

CHARACTER RULE OF THREE EXPLAINED

First and foremost, the rule of three is used in character dynamics. A group of three primary characters provides the potential for love triangles, power struggles, and more.

The rule of three also applies to how a character reveals themself to the audience. There are three layers to a character: what they show the world, what they show close friends and family, and what they only reveal to themselves. Deciding when and how to show these layers is crucial for a writer.
The rule of three is a testament to mankind’s affinity for patterns, providing a structure that enhances storytelling across dialogue, narrative, and character. Whether through the strategic delivery of a joke, the pacing of a plot, or the depth of a protagonist, the principle remains a cornerstone of compelling storytelling.

#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking

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♬ SONGS USED:

"The Magic Number" - De La Soul
"Distance" - Daniel Brown
"Neon Sun" - Jacob Montague
"In Love with Emi" - Fabien Fustinoni
"Happy Ending (Alternate)" - Hans Zimmer
"Life's Journey Begins" - idokay
"The Wizard's Exposé : Emerald City Graduation Exercises (Extended Version)" - MGM Studio Orchestra
"A Battle in the East" - Rhythm Scott
"Christmas Vacation" - Mavis Staples
"Main Titles - The Little Mermaid" - Alan Menken
"Binary Love" - Stanley Gurvich
"Assembly Line Dreams" - Ostin Drais
"The Perfect Storm" - David Morton
"Helm's Deep" - Howard Shore
"The Bridge of Khazad Dum" - Howard Shore
"1986" - Angel Salazar
"Atlantique" - A.M. Beef
"S.T.A.Y." - Hans Zimmer
"Inquisitions" - Kevin Graham
"Blood Trails" - Carter Burwell
"If You Leave Something Behind" - Christopher Bear, Daniel Rossen
"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" - Diana Ross
"Wall of Fire" - Tony Anderson
"Main Title (from "Taxi Driver")" - Bernard Herrmann
"Thank God for the Rain" - Bernard Herrmann
"Anime" - Magiksolo

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[StudioBinder]

CORRECTION: The Tim Burton quote should have been attributed to director Jean Luc Godard.

[josephm.benoit]

“A story should have a beginning, a middle and an end, but not necessarily in that order” RIP Jean-Luc Godard

[grahamyates]

The first time I noticed the Rule of Three was when I read 'Goldfinger'. Auric Goldfinger used this phrase to warn Bond that their third meeting would end in problems for Bond.
"Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. Three times is enemy action."

[dunnowy]

Stuff like this gives me goosebumps, there's something fundamental about storytelling that feels cosmic and timeless

[solertia]

This is one of those fascinating topics that you’ve never heard of but makes complete sense because you’ve seen it everywhere your entire life.

[UShistorymatters]

I'm 40 years old and am still learning so much from this channel. I remember back when Google didn't exist and if you needed access to information you paid for a legal subscription or went to a public library.

[peterkalyabe]

StudioBinder's videos make me feel a little smarter every time I click.
Well, one of my favourite examples of THREE, we discover truth in three ways: 1) experience, 2) logical reasoning, 3) words. - In this chronological order, words are the least reliable purveyors of truth.

[swoozie]

I am such a proud subscriber of u guys, u have no idea. Thank u so much for all the hard work you put into every video.

[rayancedrichaddad]

This is a complete audiovisual encyclopedia about the Rule of Three in History and Filmmaking. A Complete Audiovisual anthropology about the number 3 in Pop culture. Thousand Thanks StudioBinder for this Inspiring video.💯💯💯

[owie]

Not sure if this is the best example but this line delivered by Joan Cusack in the movie Working Girl to Harrison Ford's character: "Coffee? Tea? Me?"

[jayconstantine]

This is, hands down, for me, the best 'writing advice' video I have ever watched. So simple yet so concise. No fluff, no banter just plain simple good advice.

[mattosso]

Structurally, I think Star Wars is a great example. Luke fights Vader 3 times. (Once in his X-wing and 2 duels.) Each time he encounters Vader, he learns something about himself and/or Vader. Each time they meet his view changes, which also changes the context (And, thus, changes the way the audience feels).

It also makes Luke's victory EARNED when he defeats Vader in Return of the Jedi (unlike MarySue Rey Palpatine in Disney's "sequels".) By the end of the 3rd encounter, he's learned the lesson that what he wants (revenge) will only turn him into the very evil he's trying to defeat. He realizes that in order to redeem his father and save his own soul, he needs to show Vader mercy. (Pity stayed his hand) Doing so redeems Anakin who in turn sacrifices himself to defeat the Emperor and save his son.)

That's powerful storytelling right there. That's why Lucas is a brilliant storyteller. And that's how he was able to create one of the most impactful trilogies in cinema history.

[nikshmenga]

“Never two without three”
Jamais deux sans trois
it means that either something positive or negative has already occurred twice and is most likely to happen again

[jameshanscomb]

One of the best videos Studio Binder has put out. I'm sure there are two others just as good.

[amitadarsh]

Thanks for saving me from the regret of never going to film school because it's too damn costly. Honestly, I can learn everything I need to learn from StudioBinder alone. Can you make a specific playlist as a course for screenwriters? That would help me a lot. It is hard to sort the videos in order.

[patrickbaleydier]

My favorite trilogy is "The hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy a trilogy in five parts" :p

[Beowulf]

"You know, Pickering, this chap's got a certain natural gift of rhetoric.
Observe the rhythm of his native woodnotes wild.

"I'm willing to tell you.
I'm wanting to tell you.
I'm waiting to tell you."

That's the Welsh strain in him."
-My Fair Lady

[dhirendrakumar]

3 words - Enlightening, Delightful, Informative

[lotus]

Nice thesis.
I've always maybe subconsciously used the rule of 3 in interpersonal writing. Maybe it was the leather tripod stool my father used.
It was fascinating and I thought that two legs would never work, and four or more a waste!
So besides the Trinity, my favorite trio is one I came up with years ago to help find out why someone had wronged me in some way.
I'd ask them to choose whether it was ignorance, indifference, or malice.
The reasons for mistreatment of others can involve combinations of the three but it's rooted in one:
Ignorance; You didn't know.
Indifference; You didn't care.
Malice; You did it on purpose.
Then from their answers, you can dig out the truth.

[CBoy]

"Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky,
Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,
Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die,
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne"

3 races in harmony, and then the 4th brings discord and a sinister feeling.