Review Questions

1. In Freytag's pyramid, what is rising action?

2. In the classic Hollywood structure, who is the hero and what does the hero do?

3. In the classic Hollywood structure, who is the antagonist and what does the antagonist do?

4. What are some of the aspects that might make a theater production controversial?

5. Only some directors or producers write their own screenplays. How do other directors or producers
obtain screenplays?

Critical Thinking Questions

1. What would be some of the benefits of using a specific dramatic structure such as Freytag's pyramid?
What would be some of the drawbacks of using a specific dramatic structure such as Freytag's pyramid?

2. How do you think a script writer can acquire the skills needed to be successful? Be creative!

3. What are some biographical or social factors and characteristics that can influence a playwright or
screenwriter? If you were writing a play or screenplay, what two factors or characteristics do you think
would have the greatest affect on your writing?

4. What benefits can controversial theater productions bring to actors and the audience? Are there
limits to what should be staged? Why or why not?

5. Using Freytag's pyramid, deconstruct the plot of a play or film that you are familiar with. Describe
how the different stages are used in the plot you selected.