Sense and Sensibility
When Mr. Dashwood (Tom Wilkinson) dies, he must leave the bulk of his estate to the son by his first marriage, which leaves his second wife and their three daughters Elinor (Dame Emma Thompson), Marianne (Kate Winslet), and Margaret (Emilie François), in straitened circumstances. They are taken in by a kindly cousin, but their lack of fortune affects the marriageability of practical Elinor and romantic Marianne. When Elinor forms an attachment for the wealthy Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant), his family disapproves and separates them. And though Mrs. Jennings (Elizabeth Spriggs) tries to match the worthy (and rich) Colonel Brandon (Alan Rickman) to her, Marianne finds the dashing and fiery John Willoughby (Greg Wise) more to her taste. Both relationships are sorely tried.
Despite a mid-range budget of $16.0M, Sense and Sensibility became a runaway success, earning $134.6M worldwide—a remarkable 741% return.
1 Oscar. 33 wins & 50 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Sense and Sensibility (1995) demonstrates carefully calibrated dramatic framework, characteristic of Ang Lee's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 16 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.5, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes The Dashwood sisters live comfortably at Norland Park with their father and stepmother. Elinor embodies sense and restraint while Marianne represents sensibility and passionate emotion.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 16 minutes when Mrs. Dashwood receives a letter from her cousin Sir John Middleton offering them a cottage on his estate in Devonshire. The family must leave their beloved home and accept a significantly reduced life.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 33 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to The Dashwood women arrive at Barton Cottage and actively choose to embrace their new life in Devonshire, entering a new world of different society, new neighbors, and unknown possibilities., moving from reaction to action.
At 67 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 49% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat Willoughby abruptly announces he must leave for London on business and will not return. Marianne is devastated. What seemed like certain love suddenly becomes uncertain, raising the stakes and ending the carefree courtship., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 101 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Marianne reads Willoughby's cold rejection letter and collapses in anguished sobs. Colonel Brandon reveals that Willoughby seduced and abandoned his young ward, exposing his true character. Both sisters' romantic hopes appear dead., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 108 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Marianne recovers from her illness with newfound clarity. She recognizes how her excessive sensibility nearly destroyed her and resolves to live more moderately, combining feeling with sense. Edward arrives with news that Lucy has married his brother Robert., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Sense and Sensibility's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Sense and Sensibility against these established plot points, we can identify how Ang Lee utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Sense and Sensibility within the drama genre.
Ang Lee's Structural Approach
Among the 11 Ang Lee films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.8, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Sense and Sensibility takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Ang Lee filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman. For more Ang Lee analyses, see The Wedding Banquet, Gemini Man and Lust, Caution.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
The Dashwood sisters live comfortably at Norland Park with their father and stepmother. Elinor embodies sense and restraint while Marianne represents sensibility and passionate emotion.
Theme
Mrs. Dashwood tells Elinor, "The more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love." This establishes the thematic tension between emotional restraint and passionate feeling.
Worldbuilding
Mr. Dashwood dies, leaving his estate to his son from a first marriage. The widow and daughters are left with minimal income. Fanny Dashwood and her mother arrive and make the women unwelcome. Elinor meets and connects with Fanny's brother Edward Ferrars.
Disruption
Mrs. Dashwood receives a letter from her cousin Sir John Middleton offering them a cottage on his estate in Devonshire. The family must leave their beloved home and accept a significantly reduced life.
Resistance
The Dashwoods prepare to leave Norland. Elinor and Edward share a restrained but meaningful connection before parting. The family debates their future and adjusts to the reality of their reduced circumstances and social standing.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
The Dashwood women arrive at Barton Cottage and actively choose to embrace their new life in Devonshire, entering a new world of different society, new neighbors, and unknown possibilities.
Mirror World
Marianne meets the dashing John Willoughby when he rescues her after she injures her ankle in the rain. Their connection is immediate and passionate, representing the thematic counterpoint to Elinor's restrained affection for Edward.
Premise
The sisters explore romance in contrasting ways. Marianne and Willoughby engage in an intense, public courtship while Elinor quietly pines for Edward. Colonel Brandon develops feelings for Marianne. The family integrates into Devonshire society with the Middletons and Mrs. Jennings.
Midpoint
Willoughby abruptly announces he must leave for London on business and will not return. Marianne is devastated. What seemed like certain love suddenly becomes uncertain, raising the stakes and ending the carefree courtship.
Opposition
Lucy Steele reveals to Elinor that she has been secretly engaged to Edward for four years, devastating Elinor who must hide her heartbreak. The sisters travel to London where Marianne desperately seeks Willoughby, who cruelly rejects her in a letter, revealing his engagement to a wealthy heiress.
Collapse
Marianne reads Willoughby's cold rejection letter and collapses in anguished sobs. Colonel Brandon reveals that Willoughby seduced and abandoned his young ward, exposing his true character. Both sisters' romantic hopes appear dead.
Crisis
Marianne sinks into depression and reckless behavior. The sisters return to Barton where Marianne walks in the rain, falls dangerously ill with fever, and nearly dies. Elinor keeps vigil, fearing she will lose her sister.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Marianne recovers from her illness with newfound clarity. She recognizes how her excessive sensibility nearly destroyed her and resolves to live more moderately, combining feeling with sense. Edward arrives with news that Lucy has married his brother Robert.
Synthesis
Edward, now free from his engagement, proposes to Elinor who finally releases her restrained emotions. Marianne accepts Colonel Brandon's steady devotion. Both sisters find love by synthesizing sense and sensibility rather than choosing one over the other.
Transformation
A double wedding. Elinor and Marianne, transformed by their journeys, have each found balance. Elinor has learned to express feeling; Marianne has learned restraint. The final image shows both couples united, sense and sensibility reconciled.