What are "Acts" in the context of playwrighting?

In the context of playwrighting, "Acts" refer to significant divisions within the structure of a play, essentially breaking it down into major sections that help organize the narrative. Each act typically serves a distinct purpose, such as introducing characters and setting, developing the conflict, and ultimately leading to the resolution. This structure allows for a natural progression of the story and helps the audience understand how the plot unfolds over time.

The other responses focus on elements or aspects that do not accurately represent the role of Acts. For instance, while rules for a play's structure may influence how an act is constructed, they do not define what an act is. Similarly, chronological events in the plot and character arcs contribute to a play's overall development but are not synonymous with the concept of Acts themselves.