Introduction To Drama PDF
Document Details
Uploaded by FestiveFrenchHorn7338
Lora Kaid
Tags
Summary
This document is an introduction to the dramatic form of literature, covering its characteristics, origins, and definition. It explores its elements like characters, action, and plot. This is a thorough guide to understanding drama in literature.
Full Transcript
Introduction To Drama Drama is a type of literature that tells a story intended to be performed on stage. It is a story with dialogues and actions meant to be performed in front of an audience by actors who take on the roles of characters. LK by Lora Kaid Definition Of Drama As a literary form,...
Introduction To Drama Drama is a type of literature that tells a story intended to be performed on stage. It is a story with dialogues and actions meant to be performed in front of an audience by actors who take on the roles of characters. LK by Lora Kaid Definition Of Drama As a literary form, drama is designed for the theatre. Characters are assigned roles and they act out their roles as the action is enacted on stage. These characters can be human beings, spiritual beings, animals, or abstract qualities. Theatre Theatron The word theatre often refers to the actual production of The word theatre comes from the Greek word "Theatron" the text on the stage. Theatre thus involves action taking which means "a place for viewing". Theatre, therefore, place on the stage, the lighting, the scenery, refers to the space used for dramatic presentations or for accompanying music, the costumes, the atmosphere, and other performances. so on. Origin Of Drama The word drama comes from the Greek verb "dran," which means "to do or action". Many scholars trace the origin of drama to wordless actions like ritual dances and mimes performed by dancers, masked players or priests during traditional festivals or ceremonies. 1 2 3 Religious Origins Dionysian Festival Thespis The origin of the drama is deep- The ancient Greek and Roman The dramatist, Thespis, is believed to rooted in the religious dramas were mostly concerned with have been the first person to predispositions of mankind. Same is religious ceremonials of people. It is introduce the individual actor and the case not only with English said to have originated from the the element of impersonation in the drama, but with dramas of other Dionysian festival in Greece, festivals 6th B.C. century. During a particular nations as well. to honor Dionysus, the god of wine performance, he stood out from the and fertility, which were religious chorus and instead of singing in the festivals (ritual) that were celebrated honor of the god, he sang as the to ensure the fertility of the land and god. the wellbeing of its people. Types Of Drama Tragedy, comedy, and tragicomedy are three main types of drama. Each type has its own unique characteristics and conventions. Tragedy Comedy Tragi-Comedy Tragedy is a serious play that deals It refers to the drama designed In Italy, certain critics and dramatists with the misfortunes of man. It primarily to amuse. A comedy typically began mixing elements and aspects of presents a man (tragic hero) who is not deals with common people. It is the two traditional kinds of theater to too virtuous or too vicious but one dominated by a light tone that create a third kind, called tragicomedy. who aspires for higher ideals. He tries encourages laughter (or at least Tragicomedy is a drama which mixes to improve himself and the world amusement or entertainment), and the convention of tragedy and comedy. around him. In the course of this, he ends happily. In this type of drama, the protagonist, makes a mistake, or commits an error as subject to a series of crises, of judgment. This leads to his fall. manages to escape to celebrate a happy ending. In other words, it begins with tragedy and ends with comedy. Elements Of Drama Characters, action, plot, conflict, theme, symbols, and setting are key elements of drama. These elements work together to create a compelling and engaging story. 1 Characters 2 Action Characters are fictitious creation. Characters are the Action is the process of doing something or the people in the drama. These people are fictional and performance itself. It includes what the characters say, their personal qualities and actions are limited by their do, think and in some cases, fail to do. In drama, function in the drama. Since drama presents scenes especially during performance, it can be seen that the which are based on people's actions and interactions, characters moving around to perform certain tasks, talk characters play a dominant role. to one another, laugh, cry, fight, shoot or do anything according to the needs of the moment. All these are dramatic actions. 3 Plot 4 Conflict More than two thousand years ago the Greek Conflict is the central struggle between two or more philosopher Aristotle pointed out that the most forces in a story, which may be internal or external. important element of drama is the plot. Plot is the Conflict generally occurs when a character cannot central aspect of all drama, for drama is primarily achieve an objective due to an obstacle. Also, it can be concerned with what happens. It means a series of shown in a variety of ways, for example through incidents which follow after one another according to physical, verbal or psychological means. the dramatist's plan, every incident is often connected to following incidents. The plot is in the form of scenes and acts. Types Of Conflict There are five main types of conflict in drama: character vs self, character vs character, character vs nature, character vs supernatural, and character vs society. Character Vs Self 1 This is an internal conflict, meaning that the opposition the character faces is coming from within. This may follow a struggle to figure out what the moral or "right" choice is, or it may also include mental health struggles. Character vs Character 2 This is a common type of conflict in which one character's needs or wants are at odds with another's. A character conflict can be depicted as a straightforward fist fight, or as intricate as the ongoing struggle for power. Character vs Nature 3 A character is set in opposition to nature. This can mean the weather, the wilderness, or a natural disaster. Character vs Supernatural 4 A character that faces a supernatural phenomenon such as, ghosts, gods, monsters, etc. Character vs Society A character is placed in opposition with society, the government, or a cultural tradition or societal norm. 5 Characters may be motivated to take action against their society by a need to survive, a moral sense of right and wrong, or a desire for happiness, freedom, love, or justice. What Makes Drama Different From The Other Literary Genres Drama is the most unique genre of literature. When you are reading a novel, you read a story as told by the novelist. The poem's message in most cases is not direct because it is presented in a compact form or in a condensed language written by the poet. Novels The unique nature of drama makes it possible for it to be read and as also to be performed. Poetry Unlike the prose and poetry which depend on narration, drama is presented only through dialogue. Drama Moreover, the novel is divided in chapters and the poem is written mostly in stanzas, drama is presented in acts and scenes. Notes Often the protagonist of a play is called hero (male) or heroine (female), and sometimes the antagonist called the villain. The word "play" is also used to refer to drama. Character Vs Self Internal Character vs Character External Character vs Nature External Character vs Supernatural External Character vs Society External