Module 4: Structure of dramatic work

4.2. Theme, idea, plot, conflict, etc

A dramatic text is a text written for a stage, theater, or movie production. It includes a script, dialogue, character and environment descriptions, and directions for the actors and director. The dramatic text should be interesting, exciting and understandable for the audience, so that they can fully immerse themselves in what is happening on stage.

When considering a dramatic text, pay attention to the plot as a whole, as well as the idea, theme, and plot.

• Thema: Thema in idea, central problem, or main message that the author is trying to convey through his work. The theme can be abstract or concrete, and it often summarizes key aspects of the work.

• Idea: An conceptual element in literature and drama that expresses some abstract thought, concept, or philosophical statement. An idea may be the theme of a work, but it most often refers to a narrower aspect and serves to develop the theme.

• Plot: A sequence of events occurring within a dramatic work. The plot describes what happens, what events unfold in front of the audience or readers, and how the characters interact with each other. This is a specific narrative.

• Fabule: A structured description of the events of the work in chronological order. It may differ from the plot, as the author may use different techniques, such as flashbacks or a non-linear structure, to tell the story. A plot is the way an author presents a story.

Together, the theme, idea, plot and plot form the basis of a dramatic work and help readers or viewers understand its deeper meaning and the events that take place in it.

Conflict plays an important role in drama, being one of the key driving forces. Here's how conflict acts as a force moment in drama:

1.       Generating Intrigue: Conflict creates intrigue and attracts viewers ' attention. When characters are confronted with contradictions and problems, it causes interest and a desire to learn how they will solve these conflicts.

2.     Plot Development: Conflict provides plot movement. By opposing different forces and interests, it forces events to evolve and change.

3.     Character Disclosure: Conflict helps reveal the characters ' personalities. Their reactions to conflict situations, choices, and decisions allow viewers to better understand and empathize with the characters.

4.    Creating Tension: Conflict creates tension that keeps the audience interested. Viewers expect the conflict to be resolved and follow its dynamics.

5.     Identifying Topics and Ideas: Conflict can be a vehicle for discussing topics and ideas that are important to the drama. It allows you to raise issues related to morality, ethics, society and human values.

6.     Emotional Impact: Conflict situations can cause emotional reactions in the audience, immersing them in the dramatic atmosphere of the work.

As a result, conflict in drama not only serves as a force point that moves the plot forward, but also helps playwrights and directors create deeper and denser works that can evoke reflection and emotions in the audience.

In drama, there are several main types of conflicts that help develop the plot and create dramatic tension:

1.       Internal conflict (internal monologue): This is a battle that the character is fighting with himself. Emotional conflicts, doubts, and internal strife can all be part of an internal conflict. For example, a character may fluctuate between duty and desire.

2.     Interpersonal conflict: This is a conflict between different characters in a play or script. There may be a conflict between the main and secondary characters, between a hero and an antagonist, or between two main characters.

3.     Conflict with the Environment (External Conflict): Here, characters are confronted with unfavorable conditions or external forces that create obstacles to their goals. This can be a natural disaster, social norms, or any other external factors.

4.    Conflict of values: This is a struggle between different value systems or worldviews of the characters. They may have different moral principles or beliefs, which causes conflict and dialogue in the plot.

5. Time Conflict: This type of conflict involves a limited amount of time to reach a goal. Characters may face deadlines, deadlines, or competition over time.

6.     Conflict of technology and science: In some modern dramas and scenarios, conflicts arise related to technological or scientific developments. This may be an ethical dilemma or a threat posed by cutting-edge technology.

7.     Cultural and social conflict: Conflicts involving differences in cultural or social dimensions, such as racial, ethnic, religious, or class differences.

The choice of conflict in drama depends, among other things, on the genre, theme and goals of the play or script, and it serves as an important element for creating an interesting and emotionally rich plot.