✍️Playwriting Workshop Unit 1 – Elements of Dramatic Structure

Key Concepts

• Dramatic structure refers to the framework and organization of a play's narrative elements
• Aristotle's Poetics introduced the concept of a three-act structure (beginning, middle, and end)
• Freytag's Pyramid expands on Aristotle's structure, adding rising action, climax, and falling action
• Plays are driven by conflict, which can be internal (within a character) or external (between characters or with the environment)
• Character development involves the growth, change, or revelation of a character's personality, motivations, and desires throughout the play
• Dialogue serves to advance the plot, reveal character, and convey themes and subtext
• The setting and atmosphere of a play can influence the mood, tone, and overall impact of the story
• Symbolism uses objects, characters, or events to represent abstract ideas or concepts

Plot Structure

• The exposition introduces the characters, setting, and initial conflict or situation
• Inciting incident is the event that sets the main conflict in motion and propels the protagonist into action
• Rising action involves a series of events that escalate the conflict and raise the stakes for the characters
  • Complications and obstacles challenge the protagonist and create tension
  • Subplots may be introduced to add depth and complexity to the main storyline
• The climax is the turning point or moment of highest tension, where the protagonist faces the central conflict head-on
• Falling action follows the climax and shows the consequences of the protagonist's actions or decisions
• The resolution or denouement ties up loose ends and provides a sense of closure to the story
• Plot points are significant events that change the direction or momentum of the story

Character Development

• Protagonists are the central characters who drive the action and undergo the most significant change or growth
• Antagonists oppose or challenge the protagonist, creating conflict and obstacles
• Supporting characters help to reveal aspects of the main characters and contribute to the plot
• Character arcs refer to the transformation or journey of a character throughout the play
  • Positive arcs involve a character overcoming flaws or challenges to become a better person
  • Negative arcs see a character succumb to their flaws or make choices that lead to their downfall
• Motivation is the driving force behind a character's actions and decisions
• Backstory is the history or background of a character that influences their behavior and relationships
• Character relationships and interactions can reveal personality traits, power dynamics, and emotional depth

Dialogue and Subtext

• Dialogue is the spoken conversation between characters that advances the plot and reveals character
• Subtext is the underlying meaning or emotion beneath the surface of the dialogue
  • Characters may say one thing but mean another, creating tension and depth
  • Body language, tone, and pauses can convey subtext and unspoken thoughts or feelings
• Diction refers to the choice of words and style of speech used by characters, which can reflect their background, education, and personality
• Monologues are extended speeches by a single character that provide insight into their thoughts, feelings, or motivations
• Soliloquies are a type of monologue in which a character speaks their innermost thoughts aloud, often when alone on stage
• Dialogue can create conflict, reveal relationships, and establish the tone and pace of a scene
• Effective dialogue is concise, natural, and reveals character while advancing the plot

Setting and Atmosphere

• Setting refers to the time and place in which the action of the play occurs (1950s New York City)
• The physical setting can influence characters' actions, choices, and relationships
• Historical and social context can shape the characters' worldviews, values, and conflicts
• Atmosphere is the overall mood or emotional tone of a play, created through setting, lighting, sound, and character interactions
  • A tense atmosphere can heighten conflict and suspense
  • A comedic atmosphere can lighten the mood and provide relief from serious themes
• The use of props and stage directions can help establish the setting and create a vivid, immersive world
• Changes in setting can signify shifts in time, location, or character development
• Symbolic settings can represent abstract ideas or themes (a barren wasteland representing emotional emptiness)

Conflict and Tension

• Conflict is the foundation of drama, creating challenges and obstacles for characters to overcome
• External conflict involves struggles between characters or with outside forces (society, nature, or technology)
• Internal conflict occurs within a character, often involving conflicting desires, beliefs, or moral dilemmas
• Tension is the sense of anticipation or uncertainty created by unresolved conflicts or impending events
  • Suspense is a type of tension that arises from the audience's knowledge of a looming threat or consequence unknown to the characters
  • Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more than the characters, creating tension and anticipation
• Rising tension keeps the audience engaged and invested in the outcome of the story
• Conflict and tension can be heightened through pacing, revelations, and plot twists
• The resolution of conflicts can provide catharsis, a sense of emotional release or purification for the audience

Themes and Symbolism

• Themes are the central ideas or messages explored throughout a play, often universal human experiences or truths
• Symbols are objects, characters, or events that represent abstract ideas or concepts
  • A storm might symbolize inner turmoil or approaching conflict
  • Colors can evoke specific emotions or associations (red for passion, white for innocence)
• Motifs are recurring symbols, images, or phrases that reinforce the themes and create a sense of cohesion
• Allegory is a type of symbolism in which characters or events represent larger ideas or moral concepts
• Themes can be conveyed through dialogue, character actions, and visual elements
• The exploration of themes adds depth and meaning to the story, inviting the audience to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs
• Effective symbolism is subtle and open to interpretation, allowing for multiple layers of meaning

Practical Application

• Playwriting involves crafting a compelling story, rich characters, and meaningful themes
• Understanding dramatic structure helps writers organize their ideas and create a cohesive narrative
• Developing complex, relatable characters is essential for engaging the audience and eliciting emotional responses
• Effective dialogue and subtext bring characters to life and reveal their inner workings
• Creating a vivid, immersive setting can transport the audience and enhance the impact of the story
• Conflict and tension keep the audience invested and drive the plot forward
• Incorporating themes and symbolism adds depth and meaning to the play, inviting reflection and interpretation
• Revising and refining the script is an essential part of the playwriting process, ensuring clarity, consistency, and emotional resonance