Chapter 09 Dramatic Forms

1
Chapter 09Dramatic Forms

• There are many forms that a dramatic structure
  can take
• Climactic
• Episodic
• Other forms

2
Climactic Structure

• Characteristics of Climactic Structure
• The Plot Begins Late in the Story
• Exposition
• Scenes, Locales, and Characters are Limited
• Construction is Tight
• Well-made plays

3
Episodic Structure

• Characteristics of Episodic Structure
• People, Places, and Events Proliferate
• There May Be a Parallel Plot or Subplot
• Juxtaposition and Contrast Occur
• The Overall Effect is Cumulative

4
Combinations of Climactic and Episodic Structures

• No play has to be strictly climactic or episodic
  many plays combine the two forms
• There are patterns to the structures, but
  playwrights are not bound to any hard and fast
  rules

5
Other Forms

• Ritual
• Patterns
• Serial Structure
• Experimental and Avant-Garde Theater
• Special Structures
• Segments and Tableaux
• Musical Theater Structure