Classic Dramatic Structure Dramatic structure is the underlying structure of a play, novel, or other work of fiction. Classic dramatic structure is a specific, five-part style of dramatic structure originally used in ancient Greek drama and, to some extent, in modern drama as well. Since early Greek plays were typically divided into five acts, each part of the classic dramatic structure usually matched up with a single act of the play Part one of classic dramatic structure is the exposition. This part of the play provides background information necessary for the viewer to understand the story Part two is called the rising action. In this part, the main character struggles against various minor obstacles. This part sets the stage for the drama's central conflict. Part three is the climax. This is the turning point in the story; if the drama is a comedy (in other words, it will have a happy ending), things now start to go better for the main character. If it is a tragedy (which will end badly for the main character), this is the point where everything starts going wrong for him or her. Part four is the falling action, in which the main conflict between the main character and the villain plays out, and the main character ultimately succeeds (in a comedy) or fails (in a tragedy). Part five is the denouement, which wraps up the story and shows the main character in his or her new circumstances. In a comedy, this is the "happily ever after" part of the story; in a tragedy, the main character is shown suffering and possibly even dying. Modern drama tends to be less rigid and is more expressive than classic drama. Therefore, while some aspects of classic dramatic structure also apply to modern drama, many do not.
1. According to the passage, in which of the following parts of the classic dramatic structure does the pro-against the antagonist in a comedy? a Denouement b Exposition c Climax d Falling action 2. Which of the following proposed titles best summarizes the main idea of the passage? a Differences and similarities between Classic and Contemporary Plays b Character Development in classes Literature c The element of classic dramatic narrative d. The ancient Greeks and classic theatre 3. Which of the following statements from passage is an opinion? a This is the turning point in the story. b In a comedy, this is the "happily ever after" part of the story. c Modern drama tends to be less rigid and is more expressive than classic drama. d Dramatic structure is the underlying structure of a pl...
