1. Elements of Play Analysis
The Structure of Drama
Elements of Play Analysis

2. Elements of Plot
Exposition: important background information on characters, setting (time and place), and the situation in which the characters find themselves
Mood and Atmosphere are established during the exposition
Moodbrought out by opening characters, their attitudes toward each other, and their manner of speaking and moving
Atmospherecreated by staging and lighting
Consider what has happened to these people just before the play begins

3. Elements of Plot
Inciting Incident: this is the first important event to take place; introduces the main conflict
Rising Action: series of events that following the inciting incident, complicating the plot and the conflict
Each situation adds to the level of interest and suspense
Climax: the highest point of interest; the most crucial event of the play
Determines what the outcome of the conflict will be
Falling Action: series of events that immediately follow the climax
Denoument/Resolution: the final outcome of the play

4. Characters in a Play Protagonist Antagonist
Secondary characters—supporting cast
Minor characters—very small, walk on roles

5. Theme
Refers to the universal message regarding humanity that the author tries to bring out in the play
Determining Theme
First, figure out the main subject of the play
Ex: Romeo and Juliet—blood feud between two families
Then try to explain in one sentence what the author wants the audience to think about the subject by the end of the show
Participating in a blood feud never ends well and can result in the loss of your most precious and vulnerable family members.
Once you’ve determined the theme, find two or three quotations from the play that support your opinion
Ex: “See what a scourge is laid upon your hate, that Heaven finds means to kill your joys with love” (V.iii)

6. Varieties of Drama
Tragedy: a play in which the protagonist fails to achieve desired goals or is overcome by opposing forces
Usually ends in the protagonist’s death
Through sacrifice and suffering can humans achieve nobility
Characteristics of Tragedy
Main character must suffer
Inevitability—the protagonist cannot avoid fate
Pathos: the power to arouse feelings of pity and compassion in an audience
Tragic hero

7. Varieties in Drama Comedy
Light topics, written with clever dialogue, peopled with amusing characters involved in funny situations. Generally have happily-ever-after endings
Types of Comedies
Farce: comedy that aims at entertaining by means of unlikely situations, exaggerated characters, and slapstick elements
Slapstick?
Pie in the face, ears pulled—think Three Stooges
Romantic Comedy
Social Comedy: the problem play—fix the wrongs of society through humor
Comedy of Manners: built on the use of clever language and wit

8. Theatrical Styles
Style refers to the way a play is written, acted, and produced
Classicism: based on Greek and Roman Theatre; unique feature=Chorus
Fantasy: deals with unreal characters in dreams and scenes imaginary in time and space; characters might have supernatural powers, be gods or witches, etc.
Romanticism: life is shown as people dream it should be
Realism: depict life as it actually is
Symbolism: drama that emphasizes theme and ideas through props or characters
Allegory: play teaches a moral concept through characters who represent abstract qualities, such as Truth, Justice, Love, etc.