The All-knowing mirror: Reflection Theen

We kick started the lesson by listening to some 50 word stories. I think everyone did a good job. I, personally, had a hard time doing my stories. I had some trouble sticking to the strict 50-word limitation. It was not made any easier by my sister. She was sitting beside me telling me she could do a better job coming up with brilliant story ideas. My sister is 11 by the way. I wasn’t going to take that lying down. So, for the first time, I sat up, at my desk, turned on the light and started typing. I would have considered myself exceeding expectations already. I NEVER sit up to do my work. It’s always on my bed. Well… yeah. So, I set my heart at doing it right? Then i really go for it. After I was done, I went to sleep. I am probably the world’s laziest person. Top Hundred at least. Oh..and before I forget, my notes…

Aristotle was born 344 B.C.E and died 328 B.C.E

He argued his teacher’s idea that—ARGH!! Too fast I didn’t catch that!!

 

Plot is the most important feature of Tragedy.

Arrangement of incidents.

NOT THE INCIDENT THAT COUNTS BUT THE WAY IT IS PRESENTED.

The structure of the play.

 

THE BEGINNING

The incisive moment.

Starts the cause and effect chain.

 

MIDDLE

Climax

Caused by earlier events and leads to end.

 

END

Resolution

Must be caused by the preceding events but not lead to other incidents. 

 

What is an episodic plot?

 

-Plot begins near the beginning of the story.

-Shows the audience a series of scenes, actions or episodes that show various events.

Episodic plots are the worst.

Sequences without continuity and relation.

Playwrights should avoid coincidences.

Even if there was a coincidence, it should play a part in evoking senses.

 

Difference between simple and complex plots.

Simple plots have expected endings and complex plots have unexpected endings.

 

What can scriptwriters learn?

Writing a complete plot and character is important.

Complete plot and characters deliver pleasure.

 

Peripeteia means sudden turn of events or unexpected reversal of stuff.

 

The characters have to evoke feelings

They support the Plot.

Personal motivations are connected to the cause and effect chain.

They should have

-morally

-suitability to their roles

-realistic

-Consistency in their personality

-Necessity                                                    

-Presented as perfect, or better than reality.

 

Aristotle believed that a protagonist should be renowned and prosperous, so his change can be from good to bad.

Main Character leads to his own downfall because of his ignorance.

Lack of knowledge is known as “hamartia”.

 

Three act structure.- breaks your story down and makes it more manageably. 

Beginning-Start, introduce the character and his goal. Introduce the problems (set-up).

Middle- the Problems and the climax. Makes the character make decisions (confrontation).

End- The problems and characters are resolved. The characters do not have to achieve their goals (resolution).

 

Anagnorisis

Protagonist sees himself as a tragic hero and thinks he has supernatural power to perceive events.

The moment of recognition allowing him to comprehend his fate.

 

KatharsisEmotional release of the Audience. 

MimesisImitation of the real world.I feel that learning about what Aristotle thought was kinda enlightening, but boring. Katharis, mimesis??? What language in the world is that?? Latin? Greek? Oh..well.. maybe Ryan mentioned and I just didn’t listen. Wouldn’t put that past myself. I guess that’s all for now..