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How do we categorize plays?

Genre

* Tragedy: A serious drama with an unhappy ending, typically involving the downfall of the main character.

* Comedy: A light and humorous drama, often with a happy ending.

* Tragicomedy: A drama that combines elements of both tragedy and comedy.

* History: A drama based on real historical events.

* Fantasy: A drama that contains elements of magic, enchantment, or other supernatural forces.

* Science fiction: A drama that contains elements of technology or science that do not currently exist.

* Realism: A drama that attempts to depict life in a realistic and naturalistic manner.

* Symbolism: A drama that uses symbols and metaphors to convey complex meanings or ideas.

* Expressionism: A drama that emphasizes the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters rather than external reality.

* Absurdism: A drama that presents life as meaningless and absurd.

Structure

* Full-length play: A play that is typically at least an hour long.

* One-act play: A play that is typically less than an hour long.

* Two-act play: A play that is divided into two acts, typically with an intermission in between.

* Three-act play: A play that is divided into three acts, typically with two intermissions in between.

* Episodic play: A play that is made up of a series of short scenes or episodes, typically with no clear narrative structure.

* Circular play: A play that begins and ends in the same place and time, typically with a cyclical narrative structure.

Characters

* Protagonist: The main character of the play, typically the one who drives the action.

* Antagonist: The main opponent of the protagonist, typically the one who creates conflict in the play.

* Deuteragonist: The second most important character in the play, typically a friend or ally of the protagonist.

* Tritagonist: The third most important character in the play, typically an enemy or rival of the protagonist.

* Minor characters: Characters who have smaller roles in the play, such as friends, family, servants, or other supporting characters.

Setting

* Time: The time period in which the play is set.

* Place: The location in which the play is set.

* Atmosphere: The overall mood or feeling of the play, typically created by the setting, lighting, and sound effects.

Themes

* The main themes of a play are the universal ideas or concepts that the play explores.

* Themes can be about anything, such as love, loss, power, corruption, redemption, or the human condition.

* Themes are typically conveyed through the characters, plot, and dialogue of the play.

Style

* The style of a play refers to the way in which it is written and performed.

* Style can be affected by many factors, such as the genre of the play, the setting, and the characters.

* Some plays are written in a realistic style, while others are written in a stylized or poetic style.

* Some plays are performed with a traditional or naturalistic approach, while others are performed with a more experimental or avant-garde approach.

Playwriting

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