Intro. To Theatre Arts Dramatic Structure: The Plan by Aristotle and Gustav Freytag

The Plan Aristotle: Literature has structure Freytag on Tragedy, 1863: 5 elements in separate acts Pyramid outlines flow Minor, modern variations

Freytag: The Beginning Narration, Dialogue Classical, Tragedy: Inciting moment/complication Initial Incident Introduction/Exposition Background, plot, theme, setting, characters “Dusting Maid Exposition” Freytag Model

Freytag: The Beginning Narration, Dialogue Classical, Tragedy: Inciting moment/complication Initial Incident Introduction/Exposition Background, plot, theme, setting, characters “Dusting Maid Exposition” Freytag Model

Rising Action Increase in tension Uncertainty develops Protagonist faces conflict Sometimes: complication Freytag Model

Rising Action Increase in tension Uncertainty develops Protagonist faces conflict Sometimes: complication Freytag Model

The Crisis Tradition: Act III Moment of greatest tension Protagonist’s fortunes worsen Downfall is irreversible Moment of greatest tension Audience fully involved Other Labels Climax Turning Point Freytag Model

The Crisis Tradition: Act III Moment of greatest tension Protagonist’s fortunes worsen Downfall is irreversible Moment of greatest tension Audience fully involved Other Labels Climax Turning Point Freytag Model

Falling Action Hero’s failing fortunes Final catastrophe begins Emotional purge Audience Catharsis (purging of emotions; relieving emotional tensions) Freytag Model

Falling Action Hero’s failing fortunes Final catastrophe begins Emotional purge Audience Catharsis (purging of emotions; relieving emotional tensions) Freytag Model

Moment of Last Suspense Catastrophe spirals outward Hero suffers or dies Loved/protected may suffer Labels: Resolution Dénouement Freytag Model

Moment of Last Suspense Catastrophe spirals outward Hero suffers or dies Loved/protected may suffer Labels: Resolution Dénouement: Unwinds tension, provides closure Freytag Model

Moment of Last Suspense Catastrophe spirals outward Hero suffers or dies Loved/protected may suffer Labels: Resolution Dénouement: Unwinds tension, provides closure (bringing the parts together) Freytag Model

Moment of Last Suspense Catastrophe spirals outward Hero suffers or dies Loved/protected may suffer Labels: Resolution Dénouement: Unwinds tension, provides closure (bringing the parts together) Freytag Model

Moment of Last Suspense Modern variations Suspense/Inconclusive ending Open-ended for sequel* Surprise twist Repeat of opening scene *Used more in film than on stage. Freytag Model

Original Design: Aristotle Review TP/C RA FA Original Design: Aristotle Modern: Freytag Model II/E R/D

Intro. To Theatre Arts Dramatic Structure: The Plan by Aristotle and Gustav Freytag