Key Skills in English 10 1. The Structure of Shakespeare’s Plays


Shakespeare’s plays have a five-act structure. Each act is divided into scenes. Although the number of scenes in each act may change, the five-act structure does not change.


ACT I ACT II


ACT III Climax


ACT IV ACT V


Introduction Characters


& Setting, Conflict


Resolution


Act I: Introduction In this act, the major themes and the main characters of the play are introduced. Te setting is established and some major conflict is identified.


Act II: Rising Action During the Rising Action, the basic conflict introduced in Act I is made more complicated by other conflicts and obstacles facing the main character or characters. For this reason, the Rising Action is sometimes called the Complication.


Act III: Climax Te climax of a play is also known as the turning point. Te climax marks a notable change, for better or worse, in the plot. Tis point begins in Act III and builds up in a series of events. Tis is where most of the drama or action takes place.


Act IV: Falling Action During the Falling Action, the conflict reaches a high point and a clear winner and loser are determined. Tis act may also contain a final moment of suspense, in which the outcome might be uncertain.


Act V: Resolution Te Resolution brings all loose ends together and concludes the story. All of the conflicts are resolved and life returns to a new normal – even though things have changed. In traditional comedies, the ending leaves the main character/s better off than at the start, while traditional tragedies end in catastrophe and death.


10


Unit 1: Drama


Falling Action


Rising Action


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