Play-Making

<p><strong><em>Play-Making - A Manual of Craftsmanship</em> is an exceptional primer which aims to answer the essential question: How are theatrical plays written?</strong></p><p>This valuable resource for aspiring playwrights contains essential techniques for composing a quality stage play. William Archer an educator in English literature presents the traditional theory of play composition in a straightforward engaging manner that the reader can quickly learn and put the knowledge to practical use.</p><p>We begin with an examination of the choice of plotting theme casting of characters and the dramatic and undramatic constitution of the play. A sequential examination of the play details how the first act must establish the location and roles setting up what is to follow with tension and curiosity.</p><p>Archer proceeds to cover aspects crucial to a quality drama such as the ratcheting of tension and contrast of logical developments with those happening by chance. He delves into the methods of concluding the events be it a conventional climax or an anticlimax. Finally the book concludes with a series of pointers on dialogue and the psychological aspects of the characters.</p>