Drama

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