Acts are used to structure the plot and create dramatic tension.
One-act plays, which consist of a single act, are usually shorter than other types of plays. Longer plays may have two, three, or even more acts.
Each act can focus on a different stage of the play's storyline or a variety of topics. It contains one or more scenes and serves as a way of organizing and presenting the story in a logical and engaging manner.
In some cases, acts may indicate a change in location or a jump in time within the play, while in others, they can provide opportunities for the playwright to explore different aspects of the plot simultaneously.
The term "act" can also refer to the general field of theatre or the art of dramatic performance.