Every work of art has some kind of structure. Plays can be tightly constructed or loosely arranged around a framework to give them shape, meaning and purpose. Two forms of dramatic structure are climactic and episodic. Climactic structure tends to be very controlled with the main action taking place in a short period of time, near the climax of the story. Plays structured this way tend to have a limited number of characters, scenes and events.
Episodic drama has many episodes spread out over long periods of time and a number of locations.
Episodic drama has many characters and lends itself to having several storylines and levels of ideas. These two structures can also be combined. Students should remember that contemporary theatre often experiments with alternative and unique structures. Discuss the dramatic structure of popular films or television shows. Ask students to discuss why, in their experience, an episodic structure often works best with collective creations.