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 end of the first act can also introduce a new character or element that will drive the rest of the story. For instance, in a fantasy story, a mysterious wizard might appear at the end of the first act, bringing with him a quest for the hero to embark on. This new development creates intrigue and sets up the rest of the narrative.
You can start by choosing a simple and fun story. Then, explain the plot and characters clearly to the kids. Let them pick the roles they want to play.
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.
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.
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.
Well, there's no fixed number. It could be as short as 30 pages if you get to the key points quickly or as long as 150 if you need to build a complex setup. It all depends on your style and the story you want to tell.
The number of words in the first act of a novel isn't set in stone. Usually, it could be around 5,000 to 10,000 words to introduce the main characters and set the stage. However, it also depends on how complex the story and the world-building are.