The Last Four Parts of a Play:

Aristotle's Six Parts of a Tragedy

1. Plot

2. Character

3. Thought (theme, idea)

4. Diction (Language)

5. Music (sound)

6. Spectacle

3.THOUGHT:

Plays may often be written about an idea, but the playwright will probably focus more on plot and character to get idea across -- plays are seldom about an idea.

In production, directors seldom try to direct the idea--it is the other values that will get the idea across (tho' sometimes the idea will not be obvious / overt).

4. DICTION / LANGUAGE:

Language is used to:

5. MUSIC / SONG:

The sound of the dialog, etc. musicality, rhythm, pace, etc.
helps establish mood, characterize, lend variety, pleasurable.

6. SPECTACLE

The most immediate element

--appropriate and distinctive (but perhaps least important for the "drama / play").

These Six Parts of a Tragedy (a play) have acted as a guideline for theorists and practitioners for years.

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Important terms:

theme

dialog

music

spectacle

Next Section: Types of Drama