I'm not sure which novel you are referring to. Different novels have different lengths for their first acts. For example, in a short novel, the first act might be only a few hundred words, while in a long epic novel, it could be several thousand words.
In the first act of a novel, setting is key. It gives the reader a sense of place and time. Also, the introduction of the main character or characters is crucial. We start to learn about their personalities, goals, or problems. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', the first act sets the rural English setting and introduces Elizabeth Bennet and her family. We quickly understand her situation and her initial view of Mr. Darcy.
Let's take 'Pride and Prejudice' as an example. The first act, which is mainly the initial introductions and setting up of the main characters and the social context, is probably around 2000 - 3000 words. But this is just a rough estimate.
It's extremely important. It serves as a bridge between the setup and the rising action. Without a strong end to the first act, the story may lack momentum. Consider a thriller where at the end of the first act, the hero should be faced with a clear and dangerous threat. If not, the tension won't build properly for the rest of the story.
The first act should establish the story's world and the protagonist's initial situation. It can also hint at the conflict or problem that will drive the plot. Make sure the tone and style are engaging from the beginning.
The Sheena Bora case was a highly sensational murder case in India. Sheena Bora, a young woman, was brutally murdered. Her mother, Indrani Mukerjea, was found to be involved in the crime. It was a complex case involving family secrets, power, and money. Indrani Mukerjea had a strained relationship with Sheena. Eventually, through investigations, the truth about the murder emerged, shocking the nation as it involved people from the media and high - society circles.