DEFINITION
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary drama is “a composition in verse or prose intended to portray life or character or to tell a story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and dialogue and typically designed for theatrical performance” (“Drama Definition & Meaning”).
DRAMATIC STRUCTURE
(“Characteristics of a Dramatic Work”)
exposition - introduces background events and characters
rising action - a series of events that create suspense in the narrative
climax - the part of the story where the suspense reaches its highest part
falling action - the main conflict starts to resolve
resolution - the conclusion of the story where questions are answered and loose ends are tied up
BASIC DRAMATIC GENRES
(“What Is Drama? What Is Drama in Literature? Features, Types & Details Students Must Know”)
Tragedy - a genre that explores the downfall of a protagonist due to tragic flaws, external circumstances, or a combination of both.
Comedy – is characterized by humour and wit. It often involves misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and humorous situations.
Tragicomedy – combines elements of tragedy and comedy, often blending serious themes with humorous moments.
Historical Drama – is set in a specific historical period and often involves real historical figures and events.
EXAMPLES
Tragedy: Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare
: Faust, Johann Wolfgang Goethe
Comedy: Pygmalion, George Bernard Shaw
: The Government Inspector, Nikolaj Vasilievič Gogol
Tragicomedy: The Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare
: Waiting for Godot, Samuel Beckett
Historical Drama: Henry V, William Shakespeare
: Mary Stuart, Friedrich Schiller
SOURCES
“Drama Definition & Meaning.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drama.
“Characteristics of a Dramatic Work.” BBC News, BBC, 9 Dec. 2022, www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z6vwcqt/revision/3.
English Literature. “What Is Drama? What Is Drama in Literature? Features, Types & Details Students Must Know.” English Literature, 17 Aug. 2023, https://englishliterature.education/articles/guides/what-is-drama-what-is-drama-in-literature-features-types-details-students-must-know/.
Sarah Šobáňová, 549565