The Avengers
British Ministry agent John Steed, under direction from "Mother", investigates a diabolical plot by arch-villain Sir August de Wynter to rule the world with his weather control machine. Steed investigates the beautiful Doctor Mrs. Emma Peel, the only suspect, but simultaneously falls for her and joins forces with her to combat Sir August.
The film struggled financially against its moderate budget of $60.0M, earning $48.6M globally (-19% loss).
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%)
The Avengers (1998) reveals strategically placed story structure, characteristic of Jeremiah S. Chechik's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 29 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.7, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Emma Peel works as a top meteorologist at Prospero Base, established in her professional world before disruption. The weather research facility operates normally.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when Emma Peel is accused of sabotaging her own weather project and killing her colleagues. Her professional reputation and freedom are threatened.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 22 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Emma and Steed form an alliance, deciding to work together to find the real saboteur. They actively choose to enter the investigation as partners., moving from reaction to action.
At 45 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Emma discovers evidence suggesting she may actually be guilty or that there's a clone of her committing the crimes. False defeat as her identity and innocence are thrown into question., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 67 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, De Wynter captures Emma and prepares to destroy London with catastrophic weather. All seems lost as the villain appears to have won and Emma is trapped., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 72 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Steed infiltrates de Wynter's base and reunites with Emma. Together they understand how to defeat the weather machine, synthesizing their skills and trust for the final confrontation., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Avengers's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping The Avengers against these established plot points, we can identify how Jeremiah S. Chechik utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Avengers within the action genre.
Jeremiah S. Chechik's Structural Approach
Among the 4 Jeremiah S. Chechik films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Avengers takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Jeremiah S. Chechik filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Jeremiah S. Chechik analyses, see Diabolique, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and Benny & Joon.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Emma Peel works as a top meteorologist at Prospero Base, established in her professional world before disruption. The weather research facility operates normally.
Theme
Mother (Jim Broadbent) speaks about trust and appearances being deceiving in the espionage world, establishing the film's theme of identity and deception.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to the world of British intelligence, the Prospero Base sabotage, Emma's arrest as a suspect, and the eccentric world of The Ministry with Mother and Father.
Disruption
Emma Peel is accused of sabotaging her own weather project and killing her colleagues. Her professional reputation and freedom are threatened.
Resistance
John Steed is assigned to surveil Emma and determine if she's guilty. They engage in cat-and-mouse games, mutual testing, and Emma debates whether to trust Steed or work alone.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Emma and Steed form an alliance, deciding to work together to find the real saboteur. They actively choose to enter the investigation as partners.
Mirror World
The partnership between Steed and Emma deepens with witty banter and mutual respect, introducing the subplot that mirrors the theme of trust despite appearances.
Premise
Steed and Emma investigate Sir August de Wynter's weather manipulation scheme, encountering bizarre set pieces including the teddy bear meeting and maze sequences. The fun, stylish spy adventure the audience came for.
Midpoint
Emma discovers evidence suggesting she may actually be guilty or that there's a clone of her committing the crimes. False defeat as her identity and innocence are thrown into question.
Opposition
De Wynter's plan escalates with extreme weather attacks on London. Emma faces her double, trust between Steed and Emma is tested, and the villain gains the upper hand with his weather control technology.
Collapse
De Wynter captures Emma and prepares to destroy London with catastrophic weather. All seems lost as the villain appears to have won and Emma is trapped.
Crisis
Emma is held prisoner while Steed races against time. Dark moment of doubt whether they can stop the plan, with London facing destruction and partnership broken.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Steed infiltrates de Wynter's base and reunites with Emma. Together they understand how to defeat the weather machine, synthesizing their skills and trust for the final confrontation.
Synthesis
Steed and Emma battle de Wynter's forces, disable the weather weapon, and defeat the villain. The finale showcases their partnership and brings resolution to the conspiracy.
Transformation
Emma and Steed toast their success as trusted partners, transformed from suspicious strangers to a formidable team. Order restored, identities affirmed.