Drama is a popular form of drama originating from the Greek literary tradition. Aristotle defines drama as an integrated work that covers a span of time, story, setting, and main protagonist. The drama plot consists of one great and complete action. Meanwhile, if you occasionally perform in a drama for children, we recommend you to take a look at an excellent list of children’s plays.
The protagonists of classical drama usually come from royal families or nobles. Antigone, Oedipus, and Agamemnon are some examples of protagonists in classical drama. These brave and noble heroes often face reversals. This reversal is usually due to a tragic flaw in the character and influence of divine power. Fate also plays a major role in classical drama.
Some examples of classic plays include Oedipus Rex, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Medea, Antigone, and Prometheus Bound.
Here are some elements of classical drama:
Hamartia – Mistakes or mistakes made due to ignorance; this is usually a mistake made by a morally good person
Hubris – false pride that leads to destruction; it’s the opposite of honesty
Peripeteia – reversal luck
Catharsis – the feeling of emotional release felt at the end of the drama
On the other hand, modern drama refers to plays written and performed from the twentieth century. Some examples of modern drama include “Death of a Salesman” Arthur Miller, “Views of the Bridge”, “The Misfits” and “Glengarry Glen Ross of David Mamet are some examples of modern drama.
Unlike classical drama, modern drama usually centers around ordinary people and their problems. As such, they are more realistic than classical drama. Conflict in the modern drama is caused by deficiencies in character, society or law; Divine fate and power do not play a major role in modern drama. The modern drama may also have many plots and more than one main character. Actions in the story can also last several weeks, months or years – time differences are managed by elements such as flashbacks, pauses, forward flashes, and narratives. Modern scriptwriters also use elements such as irony and sarcasm to highlight character deficiencies.
Difference Between Classical and Modern Drama
Character
Classic Drama: Classic drama usually has one main character.
Modern Drama: Modern drama may have more than one main character.