The standard five-act structure is simply the most efficient way of showing a character’s sacred flaw being tested, broken and rebuilt. In its first half, the protagonist’s old theory of control is tested and found wanting. At the midpoint, it’s transformed. In the second half, their new theory of control is heavily tested. In the final act, they’re given the choice: do they want to embrace this new theory of control or revert to their old one? Who are they going to be?
