1. Unity of Time: The action of the play should take place within a limited timeframe, typically no longer than 24 hours. This rule aimed to create a sense of urgency and prevent the plot from becoming too sprawling.
2. Unity of Place: The action of the play should occur in a single location or a limited number of locations. This rule helped maintain the focus and coherence of the plot, preventing it from becoming too scattered.
3. Unity of Action: The play should have a single, central plotline that all the characters and events revolve around. This rule ensured that the play had a clear structure and focus, avoiding unnecessary subplots or digressions.
These dramatic unities were derived from the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers and playwrights, particularly Aristotle, who emphasized the importance of creating a unified and coherent theatrical experience. By adhering to these unities, playwrights aimed to create plays that were both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally engaging.
However, it's important to note that dramatic unities were not rigidly enforced, and many later playwrights and theatrical movements experimented with and deviated from these rules to create new forms of dramatic expression. The purpose of these unities was not to stifle creativity, but rather to provide a framework that could guide playwrights in crafting well-structured and cohesive plays.