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Understanding Dramatic Structure in Theatre: Aristotle and Freytag's Plan

Delve into the key components of dramatic structure in theatre, exploring Aristotle's classical framework and Freytag's modern interpretations. Learn about the progression from exposition to resolution, with insights on rising action, crisis, and falling action. Discover how modern variations bring new elements like inconclusive endings and surprise twists to the traditional narrative arc.

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Understanding Dramatic Structure in Theatre: Aristotle and Freytag's Plan

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  1. Intro. To Theatre Arts Dramatic Structure: The Plan by Aristotle and Gustav Freytag

  2. The Plan • Aristotle: Literature has structure • Freytag on Tragedy, 1863: 5 elements in separate acts • Pyramid outlines flow • Minor, modern variations

  3. Freytag: The Beginning Narration, Dialogue • Classical, Tragedy:Inciting moment/complication • Initial Incident • Introduction/Exposition • Background, plot, theme, setting, characters • “Dusting Maid Exposition” Freytag Model

  4. Freytag: The Beginning Narration, Dialogue • Classical, Tragedy:Inciting moment/complication • Initial Incident • Introduction/Exposition • Background, plot, theme, setting, characters • “Dusting Maid Exposition” Freytag Model

  5. Rising Action • Increase in tension • Uncertainty develops • Protagonist faces conflict • Sometimes: complication Freytag Model

  6. Rising Action • Increase in tension • Uncertainty develops • Protagonist faces conflict • Sometimes: complication Freytag Model

  7. The Crisis • Tradition: Act III • Protagonist’s fortunes worsen • Downfall is irreversible • Moment of greatest tension • Audience fully involved • Other Labels • Climax • Turning Point Freytag Model

  8. The Crisis • Tradition: Act III • Protagonist’s fortunes worsen • Downfall is irreversible • Moment of greatest tension • Audience fully involved • Other Labels • Climax • Turning Point Freytag Model

  9. Falling Action • Hero’s failing fortunes • Final catastrophe begins • Emotional purge • Audience Catharsis (purging of emotions;relieving emotional tensions) Freytag Model

  10. Falling Action • Hero’s failing fortunes • Final catastrophe begins • Emotional purge • Audience Catharsis (purging of emotions;relieving emotional tensions) Freytag Model

  11. Moment of Last Suspense • Catastrophe spirals outward • Hero suffers or dies • Loved/protected may suffer • Labels: • Resolution • Dénouement Freytag Model

  12. Moment of Last Suspense • Catastrophe spirals outward • Hero suffers or dies • Loved/protected may suffer • Labels: • Resolution • Dénouement: Unwinds tension, provides closure Freytag Model

  13. Moment of Last Suspense • Catastrophe spirals outward • Hero suffers or dies • Loved/protected may suffer • Labels: • Resolution • Dénouement: Unwinds tension, provides closure(bringing the parts together) Freytag Model

  14. Moment of Last Suspense • Catastrophe spirals outward • Hero suffers or dies • Loved/protected may suffer • Labels: • Resolution • Dénouement: Unwinds tension, provides closure(bringing the parts together) Freytag Model

  15. Moment of Last Suspense Modern variations • Suspense/Inconclusive ending • Open-ended for sequel* • Surprise twist • Repeat of opening scene *Used more in film than on stage. Freytag Model

  16. Review TP/C RA FA Original Design: Aristotle Modern: Freytag Model II/E R/D

  17. Intro. To Theatre Arts Dramatic Structure: The Plan by Aristotle and Gustav Freytag

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