In this article, you will learn about 6 different elements of drama which is widely accepted and used by dramatists including William Shakespeare. Aristotle, in his writing, “The Poetics” suggested, how dramas should be created. He gave a formula for anyone who wishes to write a drama.
Aristotle’s elements of drama
Aristotle, a Greek Philosopher and Scientist wrote about the essential elements of drama more than 2000 years ago. His concept is still relevant and serves as a model of dramatic forms.
1. Plot
A plot is the sequence of events that are connected. It is not the narration of what happened, it is the cause and effect of different events within the drama.
Example:
“Husband died and then the wife died” is a story
“Husband died and then the wife died out of grief” is a plot because it is connected.
Understand What is plot and its structure in details
2. Character
The second essentials of dramas are the characters in the drama. Characters are the instruments that unfold the plot. It can be a person, an animal, a ghost, an object or anything. A story can have many characters or just a single character. The character’s conflict can be inner, natural, or can be caused by another character.
Types of characters
- Protagonist
- Antagonist
- Foil
- Static
- Dynamic
- Flat
- Round
- Stock
3. Thought/ Theme / Idea
The third essential of drama is the idea or theme of the drama. The idea of the drama is supported by the unfolding of the plot and development of the characters.
4. Diction / Dialogue
The third essential element of drama is the words, style and dialects used by the characters. It is the script of the drama. The choice of words used by the writer determines how the theme will be revealed, the characters development and the plot unfolding.
5. Music
Music refers to anything and everything that the audience hears from the stage. It includes words, music, background score, sound effects, silences, pauses etc. Music plays a big role and it contributes to the intensity of the theme, character and plot.
Example:
The sound of wind-blowing, lighting, mesmerizing music suggests something intense happening. While the sound of firecrackers, happy music, suggests something joyous happening.
6. Spectacle
Spectacle refers to anything and everything that the audience sees. It includes scenery, makeup, costume, actors movements, lights etc. Just like music, the spectacle is also important for the intensity of the theme, character and plot.
Example:
Bright lights, funny makeup and costume, in a garden backdrop suggests completely opposite of Dim lights, gloomy makeup and costume in a forest backdrop. Shakespeare used appropriately spectacle for his dramas. You can easily notice how different spectacle is used in Macbeth and As you like it. And how does it affect you as a spectator?
Conclusion
From the ancient world to the Postmodernists, the theatres and dramatists are following Aristotle’s guideline on elements of drama . There are some minor changes, but the basic structure is more or less the same.