LEQ OPEN YOUR NOTEBOOK TO A FRESH PAGE, AND THEN COPY THE LEQ FROM THE BOARD. THEN, LOOK UP THE WORD TRAGEDY AND ADD IT TO YOUR PAPER. AGENDA 1/14/16 14 JANUARY 2016

ELEMENTS OF DRAMA

LEQ: WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF DRAMA AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM FICTION?

DRAMA: A PLAY FOR THEATER, RADIO, OR TELEVISION The thing about drama is that it is not meant to be read. It is meant to be acted or seen! The words on the page are blueprints…the actors and directors bring those words to life!!

DRAMA Differs from fiction in the details: Playwright (Author) – responsible for the text of the play Acts and scenes (Chapters) – the breakdowns of parts of the play. Acts Acts: Deal with the movement of the plot Scenes Scenes: Change location or subject matter within the same part of the plot. Set (Setting) – backdrop of play; physical structure on stage Props – moveable components on stage; located within/on the set

TYPES OF DRAMA Comedies, Tragedies, and Histories: –Comedies: deal with a series of interesting errors from a major character; usually ends in a wedding –Tragedies: deal with the flaw of a major character; usually ends in death –Histories: an account of an actual person/event in history with artistic license

LET’S FOCUS ON TRAGEDY… A tragedy is a play that follows the death or downfall of a tragic hero due to a tragic flaw. –Downfall: Losing all possessions, titles, and reputation –Death: …duh.

CHARACTERISTICS OF TRAGIC HERO Main Character: Action of Story revolves around this character; most important in peer circle; EVERYONE knows of this character High Social Class: character must have a lot to lose (money, fame, power) Upstanding Citizen: Positive reputation Must be brought low/experience a “Fall from Grace” – –Character makes a decision/does something –Public opinion of this character changes Fall caused by Tragic Flaw: Action or personality trait that is deadly –Mistaken action –Defect in Character Flaw/Fall leads to death or downfall: actions directly cause this

TRAGIC FLAW Mistaken Action: One time mistake that has dire consequences Defect in Character: a repeated issue that the character has that has negative consequences THIS time. (Fake)Example: I speed to work every morning. I always make it on time. This morning I was speeding to work and got a ticket, found out my license was expired, and now have a court date. Which type of tragic flaw does this example represent?

WITH YOUR CP… Look through the characteristics of a tragic hero. Can you think of a celebrity that seems to fit that description? Discuss and write down how the celebrity you chose is a tragic character.

ASSIGNMENT With your collaborative partner, two additional (three total) celebrities who you believe could qualify as tragic characters. Fill out their qualifying reasons in DETAIL! Tomorrow, you’ll create a Tabloid style PowerPoint on your three choices.