The purpose of a dramatic analysis is to identify the various parts of the plot in terms of dramatic function. In media productions, all elements (sounds and visuals, alone or in tandem) have a purpose given the economy of production. In particular, television programs must convey maximum information in a limited amount of time. Therefore, an examination of the dramatic purpose of each element of the narrative is most appropropriate in order to assess how viewers make coherent the flow of sound and visuals presented to them.

The dramatic analysis indentifies the following aspects of each plot in a narrative:

1. Exposition of the status quo (characters and their relationships, time, place)
2. Complication/Disruption (changes in, or threat to, the status quo)
3. Crisis/Climax (the point in the plot where the complication/disruption must be addressed; the climax is the ultimate crisis)
4. Resolution/Denouement (how the climax is addressed in order for a return to the status quo or the creation of a new status quo).

1. Character traits (actions or dialogue that reveals personal characteristics of a character in order to provide indirect rationale for later behaviors.
2. Foreshadowing (actions or dialogue that refer to specific plot points that occur later in the narrative, therefore providing explanation "in advance."
3. Deflection (actions or dialogue that seem to refer to possible future plot points, but in fact are designed to fool the viewer by providing false clues to the direction of the narrative; sometimes called "red herrings.")

The assignment:
Provide a dramatic analysis of a 30-minute television fictional narrative.

1. Watch the program and indentify each plot. There will probably be more than one story involving various combinations of characters. Label each plot with a letter, as in Plot A, Plot B, etc.
2. Identify the dramatic function for each character's actions. Remember that a scene may serve multiple functions for different plots and that character actions may serve different functions for different plots.
3. Using two columns or two succeeding sections, provide a summary of the program, scene-by-scene. In the other column or section, provide the dramatic function or functions of the specific actions and/or dialogue in each scene. Note: Using columns, while awkward, will provide you will visual cues to the flow of each plot and the interaction of the plots.
4. Provide a one paragraph assessment of the narrative in terms of coherence.

If you have questions, sent me an e-mail.

URL:http://users.ipfw.edu/tankel/Syllabi/Fall 2005/COM 251/dramaticanalysis.htm
Revised: 13 September 2005