Dramatica Theory Book

Chapter 19: The Elements of Structure -- Genre (Continued)

Grid of Dramatica Genres

• Where/What it is -- (Information/Universe) -- an examination of events and situations with an emphasis on the past, present, progress, and future "state of things" (e.g. Documentary, Historical and Period Pieces).
• How it works -- (Information/Physics) -- an examination of how specific processes work with an emphasis on instruction (e.g. Educational, Informational, Instructional).
• What it means -- (Information/Mind) -- an examination of opinions and points of view with an emphasis on the context in which they are made (e.g. Inspirational, Motivational).
• Why it's important -- (Information/Psychology) -- an examination of value systems with an emphasis on providing context relevant to the audience's personal life (e.g. Persuasion, Propaganda).
  
  
• Exploration Drama -- (Drama/Universe) -- a serious exploration of how the "state of things" is unbalanced (e.g. Courtroom, Crime, and Classroom dramas).
• Action Drama -- (Drama/Physics) -- a serious take on how problems are created by ongoing activities (e.g. Espionage and War dramas).
• Bias Drama -- (Drama/Mind) -- a serious take on what types of conflicts arise from incompatible attitudes (e.g. Obsession and Prejudice dramas).
• Growth Drama -- (Drama/Psychology) -- a serious take on the attempts to overcome difficulties resulting from manipulations and/or evolving identities (e.g. Coming of Age and Dysfunctional Family dramas).
  
  
• Situation Comedy -- (Comedy/Universe) -- humor derived from the difficulties created by placing characters in some sort of predicament (e.g. TV Sitcoms).
• Physical Comedy -- (Comedy/Physics) -- pratfalls, slapstick, and other forms of humor derived from physical activities gone awry (e.g. The Three Stooges and much of Charlie Chaplin's work)
• Comedy of Manners -- (Comedy/Mind) -- humor derived from divergent attitudes, biases, or fixations - frequently noted as drawing room comedies (e.g. Jack Benny or Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Ernest).
• Comedy of Errors -- (Comedy/Psychology) -- humor derived from misinterpretation or, in psychological terms, attribution error (e.g. Abbott and Costello's Who's on First and several Shakespeare comedies including Twelfth Night).
  
  
• Entertainment through Atmosphere -- (Entertainment/Universe) -- entertainment derived from new, unique, or interesting settings or backgrounds (e.g. Disaster, Fantasy, Horror, Musical, and Science Fiction)
• Entertainment through Thrills -- (Entertainment/Physics) -- entertainment derived from new, unique, or interesting activities/experiences - much like thrill rides at an amusement park (e.g. Action Adventure, Suspense)
• Entertaining Concept -- (Entertainment/Mind) -- entertainment derived from new, unique, or interesting ideas (e.g. High Concept piece)
• Entertainment through Twists -- (Entertainment/Psychology) -- entertainment derived from new, unique, or interesting forms of audience manipulation (e.g. Mysteries, Thrillers).