Technical Theatre
often reveals the playwright’s dominant theme sometimes reveals motivation behind the action of the central character play on words that suggests script’s overall use of wit and intellectual fun give the names of the central character
1 The Importance of Being Earnest 2 Doubt 3 Hamlet 4 ‘Night, Mother
it is a reflection of the times when the play was written allows for research on a time period that might have influenced the author to write the play it is found on the inside of the play near the beginning
names sometimes reveal the character traits and personalities Older playwrights (prior to the 20 th century) completely reveal characterization by names After 20 th century, playwrights are more subtle with revealing characterization by names (example: Willy Lowman (he is a “low” “man”)
Functions of the Characters (why characters are included in a play) Protagonist- central catalyst for action ( the main character) the actor must be able to sustain our interest and win over our sympathy Antagonist – the character who opposes (goes against) the protagonist in a mystery or a melodrama they are called the villain in more sophisticated dramas they are more sympathetic the actor needs to be a strong performer Confidant – this character is created so that the protagonist will have someone to confide (tell secrets) to the actor needs to be a good listener (or at least appear to be one)
Characters Continued Foil – a character who stands in contrast to the protagonist (like aluminum foil - since one side is shiny the other side is dull) if the protagonist is funny, the foil will be serious if the protagonist is stupid, the foil will be smart Raisonneur – this is the character who speaks for the dramatist (the playwright) and is the “voice of reason” the character is always alert, composed, and intelligent the actor must be able to convey those traits at the 1 st impression
Characters Continued Stock Characters – clearly defined characters that function as stereotypes rather than uniquely defined individuals actors must look their roles easy way to remember: both “Stock characters” and “stereotypes” begin with the letter “s” Utility Characters – their purpose is to set the tone, establish atmosphere, and deliver messages example: maids, butlers, and party guests actors must be able to blend into a group of people without standing out easy way to remember: all maids and butlers work in a “utility” room
Speeches speeches usually reflect inner thoughts not intended to be overheard by any other characters in the play- they are usually all truthful and therefore insightful
Speeches continued Soliloquies: these are all key moments that offer great insight into both character and meaning (Shakespeare’s speeches) Monologues: they sometimes take the form of a direct address to the audience in plays- other characters can be present but their presence is not felt or acknowledged by the actor they can be comic or serious and still convey meaning usually the actor will step out and address the audience directly in comedies, monologues usually offer some of the best humor in the play Asides – inner thoughts not intended for other characters to hear they are always short and sometime funny the actors will stop all the action of the play and turn directly to the audience to speak
Why playwrights write: to entertain to inform or enlighten to urge the audience to action
› Mysteries or Farces the intent is to entertain and little more plot = farfetched characters=stereotypical themes= over-worked clichés if production is well staged, the action is energetic and the actors are engaging – the play works well
› Character Driven Stories aim is to enlighten while they entertain emphasis is on character rather than plot NCIS ONCE UPON A TIME THE MENTALIST AGENTS OF SHIELD LOST
› Propaganda or Thesis Plays the statement of the play is paramount in the playwright’s mind action is always intense this form uses the stage as a soapbox to try and raise our social consciousness Mother Courage and Her Children Hair Angels in America