The word dramatic: Back to AristotleExpressions such as dramatic portrayal, dramatic action or dramatic scene frequently occur in works discussing drama. What is, however, meant by the word dramatic? Do we fully appreciate its meaning as it was meant to be understood by Aristotle in his Ars Poetica? Commencing from Aristotle's definition of tragedy and his ensuing discussion of its elements, the wide spectrum of meaning of the word dramatic is illustrated. The aspects touched upon are the following: the functionality of information, conflict, complication, suspense, turning point, tragic flaw, catharsis and pathos. The identification with protagonist and antagonist is discussed, as well as the relevance of character portrayal for the action. Graphic, exciting and moving descriptions form part of dramatic portrayal, and so do the monologue, the speech and dialogue, finally, the word dramatic may he defined in terms of emotions evoked, while dramatic action mostly comprises a timeless universal truth.
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