A drama is a piece of writing, which is artistically presented with dialogues. A drama is attractive, impactful and real as it presents characters along with a natural and credible aspects. It is very similar to a short story as it also comprises characters, plot, setting as well as symbolism. However, short story and novel have a demarcation as these are not performed in front of the audience, whereas a play is meant to be performed on stage. In short, a drama provides a live setting where the characters are real and demonstrates the story in a natural way. Moreover, a play carries more influence and mostly, it motivates the audiences easily. As we all know, things, which are visual have more trustworthiness and fidelity.
After hearing ?Drama?, the one thing comes in our mind is a genre of film that contains a serious information. The older meaning of ?Drama? refers the definite type of fiction that is meant for stage performance. However, the word, ?Drama? is derived from a Greek word which means action. Comedy and tragedy are two traditional generic division of Drama. However, in a narrow sense, drama is referred as a specific type of play that dates back to the 19th century. By considering that period, a drama or play was neither a comedy nor a tragedy. For example, we can take ?Chekhov?s Ivanov?.
However, plays are not written in paragraphs, rather it is structured with dialogues and it is known as a script.
Drama Characteristics
Characters: Characters play an important role in the drams whether it is a major or minor one. A brief description of each character should be included in the drama. For example, Troy Maxson is the main character of the August Wilson?s ?Fences?. Other characters like Troy?s wife (Rose) and friend (Jim Bono) are related to the main character.
Plot: Plot comprises exposition, a rising action as well as a falling action, climax and resolution. After the exposition, the main conflict comes and finally, the resolution that provides a conclusion.
Symbol: The use of gestures, objects or persons is needed to showcase the inner meaning that is beyond the literal. The objects establish the meaning. However, to define a symbol, a particular object can be used in a brief scene that represents the symbolic strength.Let?s have a look for different types of play
Tragedy: A play, which is written based on a social, religious or personal issue. In tragedy, a series of actions are developed with a noticeable magnitude of characters. Most importantly, it is not narrative as it provides actions. In tragedy, the protagonist carries a tragic flaw and sometimes, the character shows the arrogance or pride and it ends with an unavoidable downfall.Comedy: Comedy showcases the sense of rebirth and hence, this type of drama usually ends with the wedding or expectation of new generation. Here, characters are represented in a comic and absurd ways.Melodrama: In melodrama, the problem is occurred by the external forces and sometimes, the protagonist becomes the victim of the situation. Here, good and bad characters are distinctly presented.Tragicomedy: This type of drama portrays the life or situation in a realistic way. Here, the characters and plot are nonjudgmental and it ends unpredictably. In short, it is a mix of tragedy and comedy.Dramatic Convention: It relates to the breaking of illusion of reality.Monologue: When a character gives a long speech to a silent listener on the stage.Soliloquy: When an alone character reveals the personal thoughts to the audience.Aside: When a character secretly makes a remark to the audience and the other characters cannot listen.
However, the four important factors, including perspective of life, political view, sense of humor and moral value are used to analyze a drama. On the other hand, some imperative aspects of drama are setting, theme, structure, dramatic irony and characterization.
