A dramatic plot should have a beginning, middle and end. Each of these should follow logically from the section that precedes it. Aristotle believed that the best dramatic plots included surprising elements that makes sense logically, once an audience considers the surprise retrospectively. Aristotle also suggests that the best surprises occur as a result of either a reversal in fortune or the discovery of something that the protagonist did not already know. Aristotle also believed that a good plot will successfully resolve all of its plot threads.
Aristotle asserted that a drama can best inspire the emotions of pity and fear in an audience by providing a protagonist who is honorable and noble. During the drama, Aristotle suggests that the protagonist should make an error that takes him from happiness to misery. The protagonist should be realistic and consistent. Aristotle also believed that in the conclusion of the play, the protagonist should face the necessary punishment for his error.
Thought, often referred to as theme, refers to the demonstration of virtues in the drama. This includes ideas such as good versus evil, the triumph of righteousness or the role of fate in people's lives. Aristotle believed that a drama should express a virtuous point and demonstrate the virtue through the plot.
Aristotle defined diction as the technical correctness of a drama. He insisted that actors should speak and react appropriately to their character's position or station. For instance, an actor should portray a noble character with fine, dramatic language.
This includes the music and singing in a play, as well as the chorus (a group of actors who commented on the action) in Aristotle's day. Aristotle insisted that a play's music should support the emotional elements of the play and add to emphasis to the overall performance.
Aristotle defined the spectacle of a drama as the dramatic action that takes place on stage, or that the onstage action suggests. He believed dramas should demonstrate large, grand scale dramatic action on stage.