The Structure of Plays

The Structure of Plays

The Play and Your Part

Lesson Objectives

• CO: I will understand the dramatic structure of a play and understand how a play is organized.

Aristotle

Aristotle's Poetics is a work of literary criticism that attempted to understand the nature and effect of classical Greek drama and its role in the city-state. Poetics identified three distinct forms of literature - Lyric (utilizing one narrator), Epic (utilizing more than one narrator), and Dramatic (utilizing no narrator at all). He goes on to set the "rules" of the tragic theatre presentations of his time, notably the three Unities, the six parts of drama, and the social responsibility of theatre.

Basic components

The dramatic structure of a play dates back to 335 B.C., when Aristotle described the six basic parts, or elements, of a play. Playwriting has changed through the years, but Aristotle's basic components of plot, character, thought, diction, song, and spectacle still exist to some extent in all plays.

Plot

Aristotle tells us that the plot is the arrangement of the incidents that take place in a play. A plot has three basic parts: the beginning, middle, and end. The beginning introduces the audience to who, what, where, when, and why through revealing information called exposition. The middle is composed of a series of complications or conflicts, which result in a climax, or turning point. In the final part of the plot, the conflict is resolved and the story ends.

Character

The plot of the play is carried out through the action and dialogue of personalities or figures called characters. It is through these characters that the playwright reveals his or her message. The principal character, who represents the main thought of the play, is called the protagonist. Standing in the protagonist's way and opposing the protagonists is a character known as the antagonist. All other important characters in the play will side with one of these two characters.

Thought/Theme

Playwrights have an overall meaning, or basic idea, that they wish to get across through the play. This idea, known as the though or theme, ties the characters and events together and gives the purpose. The theme of a play is usually suggested, or implied, rather than directly stated.

Diction/Language

The playwright tells the story of the play through words or language. Careful selection of language gives the audience a better understanding of the type of play, the characters, and the plot. The lines of the play and even the stage directions are all considered the language of the play.

song/music

During Aristotle's time. Greek plays were chanted or sung, often accompanied by musical instruments. In today's theatre, song, or music, includes the sound and characteristics of the actors' voices, as well as songs, instruments, recorded background music, and even sound effects. These musical elements are used to establish mood and enhance believability in a play.

spectacle

The last of Aristotle's six elements is a spectacle. The spectacle includes all visual elements of production. Today, scenery, properties, lighting, costumes, makeup, stage movement, and dance are all used to create a spectacle in theatre.