Introduction to Theatre

Aristotle’s 6 Elements of Drama

 Plot, Character, Idea, Spectacle, Rhythm, Diction

Aristotle wrote The Poetics             http://classics.mit.edu/Aristotle/poetics.html

with in this he divided up theatre into 6 elements for analysis

These are:

Plot   = Conflict, Story, Key Points, Structure

Theme  =  Message and Why, Idea, Intent, Purpose, Reason

Character  = Essence of the person being portrayed, Playwrights tools, Representation of Ideals

Rhythm  =  The pacing and music and visual tempo of the show, timing, pattern, beat

Spectacle  =  All that is seen, Visual metaphor, Setting, World, Images

Dialogue  =  How the script is portrayed both written and said, Diction, Emotion, Delivery

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Aristotle Assignment Options

Option One:

Come up with your own division of theatre for analysis and why.

Option Two:

Write and / or perform a  song about Aristotle's 6 elements of drama.

Option Three:

Bring in costume representations of the 6 elements as if they were personified.