Play Structure

Unit Four - Script Analysis
Module 1: Play Structure
Lesson 2- Play Structure

Introduction:
The purpose of this lesson is for students to become familiar with the structure of plays.

Objectives:
- to understand the historical and cultural influences on a play
- to understand how plays are made
- to understand the contributions of various dramatic artists to a theatrical production

Resources:
journal

CELs:
C, IL

Components:
Cultural/Historical

Activities:

Activity 1 - Read the Background Information:
Students should read the following background information. It may be most effective if you read it as a group, and discuss as you go.

What is a play?
A play is based on plot, or events. It usually has a central conflict that powers the story. It is arranged in conversations called dialogue. Groups of dialogues or episodes are called a scene. Scenes are used to show when time or place change. Large shifts in time or place are marked by acts, which are usually composed of several scenes.

Plot
The plot of any play is simply what happens. In a modern play, there is a standard plot structure.

Initiating Action - the event that triggers the other events of the play (This may not be the first thing in a play as many plays contain exposition, the information on key past events that the audience does not see.).

Rising Action - series of events that heighten the conflict between the protagonist force and antagonist force.

Turning Point - the most dramatic scene where either the protagonist or antagonist gains advantage.

Falling Action - series of events in the plot after the turning point but before the climax. The results of the rising action.

Climax - the peak of the play, resolves the conflict between the protagonist and antagonist forces, as one of them "wins".

Conclusion - plot is completed and the loose ends are tied up.

As theatre has developed throughout the decades, the way these elements are structured has radically altered. Greeks focused on talking a lot about what happened before and after the action, so the structure has large falling and rising action.

The Elizabethan theatre, which Shakespeare wrote for was afternoon entertainment. Some companies staged as many as 15 pays a month, so similar structure in all plays was important. Directors emphasized action, the comedy of the low characters and the struggles of the hero.

Modern plays have a wide variety of plot devices and types of events, but they still rely on a basic structure. The focus on the building of action to the turning point provides drive for the play. As a director, building and maintaining focus, tension and theme are important.

Some contemporary playwrights, such as Beckett, deliberately break from this structure (use no discernible plot structure or climax) to challenge convention.

Theme: Theme is the main idea that the plot develops. It gives the purpose to the action. It is the job of the actors to reveal the theme to the audience. Plays with strong themes have the most long-lasting impact on the audience.

Style: The way the place is written is called the style. Style may be sparse, descriptive, humorous or sarcastic. The actor and director need to reflect the playwright's style in the production as a whole.

Setting: Setting is where and when the play occurs. As the set is built, the play is referred to constantly. All details in the design must reflect the style plot and theme of the play.

Characters: The people that power the plot of a play. Characters are played by actors and must be consistent with the other elements of the play. See unit three on characterization for extra detail on this subject.

Activity 2 - The Moving Diagram:
One student has a copy of three play structure diagrams. This student is the Caller for the group. The Caller calls out one of the three play structures and the other students lay on the floor to make the shapes. Then the caller says "Sound Off!", then the students say which part of the plot structure each of them is. Some parts may be formed by more than one student. With enough actors, this game can be done as a competition to see who is fastest.

Activity 3 - The Journal:
Students should read the materials on the structure of drama. They should create an outline for a play in their journals using a modern plot structure. Students should list the characters, theme, setting and style they would use. They should write a brief scene (1/2 page to 1 page) to demonstrate their writing styles.

Instructional Strategies: Mastery Lecture

Evaluation: Journals will be taken in and evaluated as a whole several times throughout the class.

On-line Activity Alternatives: Journals are submitted electronically.

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