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The Art of Dramatic Writing
320 pages, 1972
Discover basic techniques every successful playwright knows. Among the many how-to playwriting books that have appeared over the years, there have been few that attempt to analyze the mysteries of play construction. Lajos Egris classic, The Art of Dramatic Writing, does just that, with instruction that can be applied equally well to a short story, novel, or screenplay. Examining a play from your perspective. All good dramatic writing hinges on people and their relationships, which serve to move the story forward and give it life. Using examples from everything from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House, Egri shows how it is essential for the author to have a basic premise -- a thesis -- and to develop the dramatic conflict on the basis of that behavior.
Lajos Egri emphasizes the importance of a strong premise in dramatic writing. This is the core idea or theme that drives your story. It's the foundation upon which everything else is built. So, before you start writing, take some time to explore and define your premise.
Egri suggests that characters should not be static, but rather evolve throughout the story. This evolution should be driven by the premise. So, take a look at your characters, are they growing and changing in a way that supports your premise?
According to The Art of Dramatic Writing, conflict is the fuel that drives drama. Without it, your story will lack tension and interest. So, make sure to research and find ways to introduce and escalate conflict in your story.
Egri stresses the importance of a well-structured plot. He believes that a story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, each serving a specific purpose. So, take a moment to check if your story follows this structure.
In The Art of Dramatic Writing, it's clear that emotion is what makes a story resonate with readers. Egri encourages writers to dig deep into their characters' emotions, making them real and relatable. So, don't be afraid to let your characters feel, and let your readers feel with them.
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Egri's 'The Art of Dramatic Writing' is a timeless exposition of the story structure that every writer should study.
David Mamet - Playwright, ScreenwriterEgri's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the mechanics of storytelling. It's a classic.
Francis Ford Coppola - Film Director, ProducerEgri's 'The Art of Dramatic Writing' is a masterclass in understanding the construction of a compelling narrative.
Aaron Sorkin - Screenwriter, ProducerRecommendations
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