Many musicals are linear narratives, while satire is frequently non-linear.

Quest narratives can occur within the context of comedy or tragedy. We can note numerous similarities and overlaps in the narrative and play categories. As with narrative forms, plays can be a part of multiple genres.įor instance, Hamilton is both a musical and a comedy, and The Glass Menagerie is both a tragedy and a melodrama.

Still, these seven are some of the most famous and commonly performed plays, both historically and in the modern age. Many sub-genres and overarching categories are involved in the play genres listed above. West Side Story, Hamilton, The Wizard of Oz. The story is told in a mix of song and dialogue where the music holds important plot devices. The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, Accidental Death of an Anarchist.

Satire mocks individuals or organizations for their weaknesses or failures. This focuses on the weak morals of the Court using satire and farce.

Over-exaggerated plays with one-dimensional characters. The Good Person of Szechwan, Man Equals Man, Mother Courage And Her Children. Hamlet, Andromaque, Medea, The Glass Menagerie.Ī story that illustrates class struggles in a way viewers cannot relate to, to simultaneously distract and draw the audience’s attention. The table below shows the different kinds of plays and play scripts and what their fundamental features are: Play genreĬomedy is recognizable by its creative language use and light-hearted tone.Ī Midsummer Night’s Dream, Pride & Prejudice.Ī story that spirals out of control because of a protagonist’s fatal flaw. One narrative form can encompass numerous play genres, and one title can fit into multiple categories.įor example, Forrest Gump is both a non-linear narrative and a viewpoint narrative. Play genres work differently from narrative forms. This is a story where the protagonist goes on a long journey to achieve a goal. The story is told from one character’s point of view. Many narrative forms represent different forms of storytelling, as reflected in the table below: Narrative formĪ story with a chronological plot that immerses the reader in the protagonist’s life.Ī story that is purposefully told out of order to send a message, using flashbacks for example.

A message stays with the audience even after the play ends.

Acts that frame conflict and resolution.

Characters that drive the story forward.

Backdrops that contextualize the events in the story.

The wizard of oz play scripts