Drama is a literary genre that tells a story through the performance of actors. It is one of the oldest forms of literature and has been enjoyed by audiences for centuries. There are many different types of dramas, but they all share some common features.
The main divisions of drama are:
1. Tragedy: A story that ends with the downfall or death of the main character.
2. Comedy: A story that ends with the happiness of the main character(s).
3. Tragicomedy: A story that combines elements of both tragedy and comedy.
In addition to these main divisions, there are also a number of other sub-genres of drama, such as historical drama, melodrama, and farce.
Elements of Drama
All dramas, regardless of their genre, share some common elements. These elements include:
1. Plot: The sequence of events that make up the story.
2. Characters: The people or animals who drive the story forward.
3. Dialogue: The conversations between the characters.
4. Setting: The time and place in which the story takes place.
5. Theme: The central message or idea of the story.
Structure of Drama
Dramas are typically divided into acts and scenes. Acts are major divisions of the play, while scenes are smaller subdivisions. Each act usually has a specific purpose, such as introducing the characters, setting the conflict, or resolving the conflict.
Dramas can also be divided into two parts:
1. Exposition: The part of the play that introduces the characters and setting, and sets up the conflict.
2. Resolution: The part of the play that resolves the conflict and ends the story.
Staging of Drama
Dramas are typically performed on a stage in front of an audience. The stage is usually set up to represent the setting of the play. Actors use their bodies, voices, and facial expressions to bring the characters to life.
Dramas can also be performed in other ways, such as on television, film, or radio.