Elements Of Drama

2. Elements Of Drama Dialogue and action form the twin pillars of drama. The two pillars assist in the portrayal of intense struggleand conflict wherein the true essence and power of a drama lies. THE END

3. NOTES ON DIALOGUE & ACTION& DRAMA & OTHER FORMS Prepared by Tannishtha 04d01010 Spring 2006

4. Dialogue • It is conversation between characters; with little comment made directly by author. • Can be read (often in verse-form) or seen (stage presentation) • Dialogue is the one of the distinguishing features of drama, but all dialogue is not drama. Types of dialogue- • Mere presentation of facts sans development of the characters or plot. Eg: a court room trial • 2) Development of characters via dialogue but no plot (conversation goes from subject to subject via association rather than logic, which would be essential for advancing action) Eg: W.S. Languor's “conversation”

5. Action • It comprises of more than mere physical action; without reference to character it is relatively meaningless. • Subtle gestures usually lost on audience as they aren’t so noticeable, a hurdle overcome by close ups in case of cinema. • It is argued that cinema is primarily a visual art, though legitimate drama is primarily auditory- costumes, setting, acting are all secondary to the spoken word-dialogue.

6. So what is drama? To summarize, in drama dialogue must- be accompanied by action; illustrate and develop characters, from various points of view even; concern the past, present and set ground for further action, ie be progressive with tensions of active conflict within it.

7. Drama and other literary forms Drama is a highly specialized form of literature which can do some things supremely well but must handle matters its own ways. The merits and demerits are discussed as follows.

8. Fiction versus Drama • Little action, mostly consists of peoples’ reaction to certain events/ or too much action accompanied by too little matter- both difficult to convert to drama as it is less effective/ too cumbersome. Drama usually works to greater success when characters participate in a situation rather than just viewing it. • Fiction has greater choice of characters, inanimate ones even, like in the example, the letter. • It can provide insight into the minds of characters through omniscient narrator (the author).

9. Poetry versus Drama • Very often, drama is in the form of verse. However a poem and drama can differ in the manner it treats the theme. • Poetry is usually more intellectual, concerned more with meaning than with feeling, interpretations on a higher plane.

10. Common elements • Fiction, poetry, drama all three differ from other writings such as history, biography, philosophy because of certain common elements. • They all present situations (specific), invite interpretations (general) using methods of dialogue, action, setting.

11. Distinguishing elements: • Absence of omniscient narrator hence- no direct description, no direct comments, no purely mental/psychological action. • The drawbacks of drama- restriction to first person dialogue, absence of narrative etc in fact make it crisper and heighten the tension.