The Elements and Order of Drama...

The division of drama into parts as a means of analysis and criticism dates back to Aristotle's Poetics in about 425 BC. At that time, Aristotle divided a tragedy into the following components: plot, character, theme, diction, music and spectacle. Of these, we have already spent time defining plot and character. Therefore, we will focus on terms that are new to this discussion.

• theme - Theme is the abstracted intellectual content of the work; its central idea, moral, or message.
• diction - By this term, Aristotle was referring to the literary strength of the text. Diction involves the author's use of tropes, figures, metre, and construction of such concepts as character and plot through the use of language.
• music - In Aristotle's time all plays were intended to be sung or chanted to music. Still present in theatric productions today, music is important in communicating meaning to the audience. In addition to the standard notion of "music" it is important to note that the author creates a kind of music from the rhythm of the language in the play.
• spectacle - This is the visual aspect of theatre production, the costumes, sets, lighting, staging, and props. All of the elements of spectacle are utilized in a production in an attempt to use symbolism and setting to create meaning.

The Order of Drama

Again, Aristotle believed that a drama has a set structure, a beginning, a middle and an end. This, more contemporary listing, builds on the outline Aristotle established:

• Gathering of the Audience - This is a critical part of the order, for more than obvious reasons, as once the audience is gathered into the theater the formal aspect of the drama production begins.
• The Transition - The act by which the full theatre becomes a community of individuals devoted to the onstage actions. Music, passing printed programs, and the dimming of lights are common in theatrical houses while movie theaters use the dimming of the lights and a series of previews as the transition.
• The Exposition- The action, text, or dialogue in the opening scenes which eases the audience into the facts of the story, setting, genre, and plot.
• The Conflict - The establishment and continuation of the conflict that is driving the plot.
• The Climax - The culmination, in a dramatic explosion, of the conflict. This is where, according to Aristotle, catharsis should occur.
• The Denouement - The resolution, the final scene or action which indicates that the passions aroused within the play are now over.

(Cohen, Robert. Theatre. Palo Alto CA: Mayfield: 1981, 48 - 59.)