What is the purpose of the 180° rule in terms of character relationships?

• A. The same left/right relationship
• B. The camera should never move more than 180 degrees
• C. The same height alignment
• D. The color temperature must remain constant

Answer: (A)

The 180-degree rule is about preserving spatial continuity between characters by keeping the camera on one side of an imaginary axis that runs between them. This keeps their left-right relationship consistent from shot to shot, so the audience understands who is where and who is looking at whom. If you cross that axis, the characters can appear to switch sides, which can confuse the viewer and disrupt the sense of space in the scene. By sticking to one side, dialogue and interaction feel grounded and easy to follow.

The other ideas don’t capture this purpose. Limiting camera movement to under 180 degrees isn’t the rule itself—it's about not crossing the axis to maintain orientation. Height alignment isn’t what the rule governs, though consistent framing helps readability. Color temperature concerns lighting continuity, not character positioning.