ELEMENTS OF DRAMA

ELEMENTS OF DRAMA

BY

EGURIASE S. M OKAKA

Elements refer to the typical or the make up of an object or something. When we talk of Element of Drama we simply mean those things you can identify drama with. According to Aristotle states six elements of drama which includes:

1.     Plot

2.     Character or Characterization

3.     Thought or Theme

4.     Diction or Language

5.     Music or Song

6.     Spectacle

Now let us look at the aforementioned elements one after the other
.

            PLOT refers to the organization of a play. It states the sequence of events which reflects in the thought of a playwright when writing a play. It is refer to as the architectural frame work of a play. We shall consider this frame work in three areas. Simply put the plot is made up of three parts: BEGINNING, MIDDLE AND END PLOT.

            The Beginning of a play usually involves exposition and the setting forth of the information about every event in the play, the identity and relationship of the characters, and how they relate with the prevailing situation of the play. Exposition is always contain in the opening scenes of a play.

            The Middle of a play is normally composed with complication. A complication is any new element which changes the direction of the action. For example, when the discovery of  new information in the play cause a change of action in the play. The introduction of complication is not a bad ideal it only teaches that there is middle and an end.

            The End plot is the resolution that is unraveling in the play. This is where all the questions raised in the course of the play are answered or revolved. This question is: why did he take that action? Why not this way instead of that? The end plots often addresses these questions and provide answers to the audience expectation.

            Plot is either simple or complex. The actions of real life situation are imitation showing a similar destination. An action which is one and continuous is called a simple plot that is when the change of fortune takes place without an unexpected reversal of circumstance and without recognition.

            A complex action is one in which the change of action affects the play and bring about a reversal of circumstance and recognition.

2. CHARACTER/CHARACTERIZATION:

            Characters are the primary raw material from which plots are created. Incidents are developed through the speech and behavior of dramatic personage. Characterization is anything that differentiates a person from others.

Levels Of Characterization

There are four levels of Characterization, they includes:

a)     Physical and Biological levels: The first level of characterization is the physical and biological level, it defines gender, age, size, coloration and general appearance.

b)    Societal level: This include the character’s economic status, profession or trade, Religion and family relationship.

c)     Psychological level: It reveals the character’s habitual reposes, desires, motivations, likes and dislikes, and the inter working of the mind. Drama often arises from conflicting desires that is why this level of characterization is important.

d)    The Moral level is the forth level of cauterization. It reveals what  characters are willing to do to  get what they want, it also shows what characters does when they are faced with making difficult choice. Moral decision differentiates one character from the other since the out come of any decision is always very important.

Characters are to examine their motives in the process of their nature are reviewed both to themselves and the audience.

3. THOUGHT/THEME:

Thought and Theme refers to the subject matter or the main ideal in a writing or work of arts. Thought is the theme’s argument and overall meaning of the action of a play. It is the plays; overall State, it topic, central ideal or message as the case may be. A play may have more than one theme which are called sub-themes. The themes of a play usually address the central question of the society and humanity.

4. DICTION/LANGUAGE:

Diction refers to the language of a playwright. Plot, character, and thought are basic subjects of drama to convey a message to an audience. Playwright has at their disposal through means of sound and spectacle. Sound includes language, music and other sound effect while spectacle refers to the visual elements of production. Examples are: costumes, scenery, lighting and all other production properties. Language is the playwright primary means of expression.

      Language serves many purposes which include:

a)     It is used to import information

b)    It characterizes

c)     It direct attention to important plot element

d)    It revives the theme and ideals of a play.

e)     It establishes tones or mood.

f)      It establishes tempo and rhythm.

The diction of every play no matter how realistic it is is more abstract and formal than normal conversation.

5. MUSIC/SONG:

Music as we apply its term does not occur in every play but if the term is extended to include all pattern of sound then it is an important ingredient in any production expect wholly silence. In addition to the actor’s voice. A play may also use music as a form of incidental song or background music.

            Music serves the following functions:

a)     It may establish mood

b)    It may characterized

c)     It may suggest ideals

d)    It may lend variety

e)     It is pleasurable in itself

6.  SPECTACLE:

Spectacle refers to all the visual elements of production. They include: the movement and spacious relations of characters, lighting, setting, costumes and other production properties.  

By:

Eguriase S.M. Okaka