Transcript Unraveling a Play*s Meaning

Technical
Theatre
often reveals
the playwright’s
dominant
theme
sometimes
reveals
motivation
behind the
action of the
central
character
play on words
that suggests
script’s overall
use of wit and
intellectual fun
give the names
of the central
character
1
2
3
4
•The Importance of Being Earnest
•Doubt
•Hamlet
•‘Night, Mother
it is a reflection of
the times when the
play was written
allows for research
on a time period
that might have
influenced the
author to write the
play
it is found on the
inside of the play
near the
beginning
names sometimes reveal
the character traits and
personalities
Older playwrights (prior to
the 20th century)
completely reveal
characterization by names
After 20th century,
playwrights are more
subtle with revealing
characterization by names
(example: Willy Lowman
(he is a “low” “man”)
Functions of the Characters
(why characters are included in a play)
Protagonist- central catalyst
for action ( the main
character)
•the actor must be able to sustain our
interest and win over our sympathy
Confidant – this
character is created so
that the protagonist will
have someone to
confide (tell secrets) to
•the actor needs to be a good
listener (or at least appear to
be one)
Antagonist – the
character who opposes
(goes against) the
protagonist
•in a mystery or a melodrama
they are called the villain
•in more sophisticated dramas
they are more sympathetic
•the actor needs to be a
strong performer
Characters Continued
Foil – a character who stands in contrast
to the protagonist (like aluminum foil since one side is shiny the other side is
dull)
• if the protagonist is funny, the foil will be serious
• if the protagonist is stupid, the foil will be smart
Raisonneur – this is the character who
speaks for the dramatist (the playwright)
and is the “voice of reason”
• the character is always alert, composed, and
intelligent
• the actor must be able to convey those traits at the
1st impression
Characters Continued
Stock Characters – clearly defined characters
that function as stereotypes rather than
uniquely defined individuals
• actors must look their roles
• easy way to remember: both “Stock characters” and
“stereotypes” begin with the letter “s”
Utility Characters – their purpose is to set the
tone, establish atmosphere, and deliver
messages
• example: maids, butlers, and party guests
• actors must be able to blend into a group of people
without standing out
• easy way to remember: all maids and butlers work in a
“utility” room
Speeches
speeches usually reflect inner
thoughts not intended to be
overheard by any other
characters in the play- they
are usually all truthful and
therefore insightful
Speeches continued
Soliloquies: these are all key moments that offer great insight
into both character and meaning (Shakespeare’s speeches)
Monologues: they sometimes take the form of a direct
address to the audience
• in plays- other characters can be present but their presence is not felt or
acknowledged by the actor
• they can be comic or serious and still convey meaning
• usually the actor will step out and address the audience directly
• in comedies, monologues usually offer some of the best humor in the play
Asides – inner thoughts not intended for other characters to
hear
• they are always short and sometime funny
• the actors will stop all the action of the play and turn directly to the audience
to speak
Why playwrights
write:
• to entertain
• to inform or
enlighten
• to urge the
audience to action
› Mysteries or Farces
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the intent is to entertain and little more
plot = farfetched
characters=stereotypical
themes= over-worked clichés
if production is well staged, the action is energetic and
the actors are engaging – the play works well
› Character Driven Stories
 aim is to enlighten while they entertain
 emphasis is on character rather than plot
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NCIS
ONCE UPON A TIME
THE MENTALIST
AGENTS OF SHIELD
LOST
› Propaganda or Thesis Plays
 the statement of the play is paramount in the
playwright’s mind
 action is always intense
 this form uses the stage as a soapbox to try and raise
our social consciousness
 Mother Courage and Her Children
 Hair
 Angels in America