Dramatic texts types, characteristics and examples

Dramatic texts are part of the wealth of literature, only that, unlike other texts, the purpose changes.

Each literary text it has a purpose, a structure and a purpose. Therefore, we can also find differences between dramatic texts and other types of literary productions.

What is a dramatic text?

A very important aspect is that dramatic text, unlike other types of texts, is not intended to be read. How is this?

These texts are meant to be observed, because are the foundations of the works. That is why, in their structure, they expose conflicts or knots in the lives of the characters, which will then be taken to the stage of the theaters..

In other words, the dramatic texts were intended to be experienced, observed, or experienced as spectators when they arrive at the theaters. Or to be played, when it comes to the actors who bring them to life.

To this must be added that there is a representation that is dramatic, as well as having the characteristic of having a specific setting for each scene.

The whole setting must consider the place, space and time in which the action unfolds, as the work progresses.

Therefore, it is very important that dramatic texts have a structure that emits or transmits emotion to the audience that comes to the theater.

Basic structure of dramatic texts

The dramatic text contemplates a structure that is unique, because, in addition to generating a story, they must also have a very explicit order, namely: Introduction, knot and outcome.

Each of these parts must be visible without complications, since the actors will be guided by it to interpret the roles.

It should also be noted that, among the main literary genres, the dramatic text is one of the most important, along with the lyric and narrative.

Introduction

The introduction is part of the structure of the dramatic text. In this section, viewers are placed in context and the main circumstances that will lead to a knot or conflict are brought to life..

Knot or conflict

It is the section that follows within the structure of the dramatic text. Once the viewer is situated in a context, it is assumed that certain experiences have happened to the character.

All of them will lead to a conflict or knot in the story, in which each character will have a specific participation to try to resolve said situation.

Outcome

It is the point where the story reaches its climax, and it is the moment in which, through certain actions, the characters solve the problem. Whether this happens for better or for worse.

Examples of dramatic texts

There are several types of dramatic texts that can serve as examples, because, depending on the conflicts that are generated, the diversity of texts will arise..

Some more notorious types are the drama, for example, when there is a dramatic style between the characters that is presented as realistic and the objective of this is for the characters to evoke reflections among the audience. These dramas tend to be serious about topics.

The tragedy is another example of dramatic text, but the characters seem to be heading toward a sad or fateful ending. Many times it is through death or not, that they arise. 

In this type of dramatic text, heroic or well-known characters are usually used, who carry out skills or desperate actions to help other characters, but their very actions tend to end them..

Finally, it is worth highlighting the existence of comedies as another way in which these dramatic ones can be presented to us, only that in comedies there are jocular, happy and very funny endings for the spectators, since that is the purpose they pursue: to entertain and cause enjoyment in those who observe.

In comedies, actions usually revolve around everyday aspects, or traditions of the population, among others. The defects that we all have can also be good material to make others laugh.

For this reason, among the specific examples of dramatic texts we can cite a great repertoire that ranges from classical to modern theater, such as Euripides' Medea; Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare; Fuenteovejuna, by Lope de Vega; Dollhouse, by Henrik Iben, or the house of Bernarda Alba, by Federico García Lorca.

These are all remarkable examples of what dramatic texts represent and all the goals it may have, depending on the audience to whom they are presented..