UGRC 160-Introduction to Literature SESSION 10

DRAMA An Introduction

Session Objectives At the end of the session the student will, Understand what the drama genre is and how it functions Understand the uniqueness or peculiarity of the genre in terms of plot, character, action and conflict. Understand how important dialogue is to the development of plot, character and conflict in drama

Elements of Drama Plot Character Action Conflict

What is Drama? You've heard the word. In fact, you've probably used the word yourself. Maybe you've said, 'Oh, she's just a drama queen,' or, 'I'm sick of all this drama.' In these situations, the word 'drama' is more of a colloquial, popular usage with a tinge of hyperbole or exaggeration.

So what is Drama? In literature, the word drama refers to a genre or a form that is unique because it is different from poetry or prose fiction/narrative. In its purest form, drama is supposed to be performed whether this happens on a visible physical stage, or through media such as radio or television. Drama may be written out as a script, but as William Shakespeare once put it, the physical enactment of the play is the thing that matters.

What is Drama?, cont’d. A drama is a piece of writing that is presented mostly through dialogue. Like a short story or novel, it has a setting, characters, plot and even symbolism. However, the way in which they are presented to the audience is different. Unlike a short story or novel, the play is primarily meant to be performed in front of an audience, and dialogue between characters is very important.

PLOT Remember our discussion on plot in Session 2? Plot refers to the sequence of events and happenings that make up a story. It is not only about the sequence, but more importantly, about how the various events are connected in a cause-effect relationship. Whether a plot is linear or non-linear, there is usually a deep structure that links various parts of the plot together.

CHARACTER Character can be defined as any person, animal, thing or figure represented in a literary work. If a literary work were to be imagined as a universe, a world or a nation, etc., characters would be those who populate it.

Character, cont’d. Remember characters can be round or flat depending on how dynamic or static they are. Also remember that we can talk of major or minor characters depending on what roles these characters play in a work of literature. Could you give examples of some characters from the works you have read in this course.

ACTION Imagine having a group of people or characters in a play who do nothing but look at one another. The essence of drama or any serious work of literature is action.

ACTION, cont’d. It is through action that we get to understand the motivations and desires of characters. It is through action that plot development takes place. Action is not only a reference to the motivations and desires of characters, but also how these motivations and desires look like when acted upon.

CONFLICT As is the case on other genres of literature, conflict in drama refers to a struggle between opposing forces.

CONFLICT, cont’d. The opposing forces that struggle for supremacy in a conflict situation are usually of two major kinds; the forces of good, and the forces of evil. The forces of good are usually led by the protagonist, and the forces of evil are usually led by the antagonist. Their struggle ultimately leads to the climactic moment.

CONFLICT, cont’d.

Questions on Romeo and Juliet Name three major characters in Romeo and Juliet and explain why you think they should be considered “major” characters. Who, in your opinion, are the protagonists of Romeo and Juliet? And who are the antagonists? What is climax? When does this occur in Romeo and Juliet? Describe four major actions in Romeo and Juliet that you think are pivotal to the development of the plot and explain why this is so.

Questions on Romeo and Juliet, cont’d. What are the major conflicts in Romeo and Juliet? Which characters are involved in those conflicts? Compare and contrast the characters of Romeo and Juliet. What role does Friar Laurence play in Romeo and Juliet? Is he a major or a minor character? Justify your answer. Briefly describe how dialogue and diction contribute to, or hinder our ability to understand the central themes of Romeo and Juliet.