Drama

Drama definition

Script for theatrical performance

Types of theaters

1. Amphitheater

2. Open stage/thrust stage

3. Proscenium/picture frame stage

Amphitheater’s main function

Katharsis

Open stage/thrust stage

Stage extends into audience which surrounds it on three sides; close proximity of performance and audience

Proscenium/picture frame stage

Fourth wall concept (audience as mere spectators)

Freytag’s pyramid (1863)

1. Act I - Exposition

2. Act II - Rising Action

3. Act III - Climax

4. Act IV - Falling Action

5. Act V - Resolution

Gian Giorgio Trissino’s concept of three unities (1514)

1. Time

2. Place

3. Action

Functions of dialogue/polylogue

1. Exchange of info

2. Plan actions

3. Characters present themselves to others (self-implicit characterization)

Functions of monologue

1. Express emotions about self and others

2. Express judgement about self and others

3. Reveal info about off-stage characters and incidents

4. Expose intentions, create suspense

Character definition

Imagined figure inhabiting a fictional world with physical, mental and moral qualities

Round character

Character with depth and complex personality

Dynamic character

Evolves and changes throughout the story

Multi-dimensional character

Several layers; harder to figure out

Flat character

Two-dimensional

Static character

Remains largely the same throughout story

Authorial explicit characterization

Description, telling names

Figural explicit characterization

Self-commentary

Authorial implicit characterization

Description of props and setting that allow conclusion regarding characters

Figural implicit characterization

Dialect, sociolect, behavior, plans

Open form theater

Scenes and Acts hang loosely together, might be interchangeable

Dramatic/literary genre

Texts sharing set of similar characteristics; each text has to exhibit some of the characteristics but not all of them

Comedy Genre

1. Slapstick Comedy

2. Comedy of Manners

3. Romantic Comedy

Tragedy

1. Greek Tragedy

2. Domestic Tragedy

Soliloquy

Speech a character renders alone on stage

High comedy

Comic effects are mainly achieved by verbal wit

Aside

Speech directed to audience that’s supposedly not audible to other characters onstage

Dramatis personae

List of roles in a play which often ranks them by social position, gender, generation

Telling name

Name of a figure hinting at figure’s character