Dramatic Structure

Collected lecture/discussion notes. Some parts are very fragmented, but offered here as a study aid, not a primary learning source. Citations are lost. None of the thoughts are original.

Story Play:
    Causal organization
    Deals with people in situations with which we can identify.
    Problem is introduced, plot leads to resolution.

Protagonist: First character, principal figure, one whose fortunes are the subject of the play, typically undergoes a significant reversal.
Antagonist: Character representing forces in conflict with Protagonist.

Dramatic action must be related to opposition of protagonist and antagonist
Unity is important but variety is necessary

Structural Sequence:

Other Structures:

Episodic: Each scene reveals a functional piece of the story. Temporal and spatial disconnect from other scenes.
Thematic Structure: Usually episodic. Scenes are related to theme; each makes a discrete point.
Ritual structure: Circular structure (Artaud, Genet, Becket). Endings suggest a return to beginnings.

Workable dramatic action should be:

1. purposeful
2. varied
3. engaging and interesting
4. probable - within the internal logic.

Organization of dramatic action:

1. Causality: progression from cause to effect (traditional)
2. Character: unifying through a single character
3. Idea: unifying through a single idea.

Quiz: What are the parts of a story play?