Protasis

In drama, the protasis is the introductory part of a play, usually its first act. The fourth-century Roman grammarian Aelius Donatus analyzed plays as being made of three parts: the protasis, where characters are introduced and the premise is defined; the epitasis, the main action, which develops the plot; and the catastrophe, the resolution of the plot. This corresponds to the three-act structure in modern dramatic theory, where the three acts are the exposition, the rising action, and the dénouement.

Introductory part of a play

For the if-clause in a condition, see Conditional sentence.

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In drama, the protasis is the introductory part of a play, usually its first act.

The fourth-century Roman grammarian Aelius Donatus analyzed plays as being made of three parts: the protasis, where characters are introduced and the premise is defined; the epitasis, the main action, which develops the plot; and the catastrophe, the resolution of the plot.^[1]

This corresponds to the three-act structure in modern dramatic theory,^[2] where the three acts are the exposition, the rising action, and the dénouement.

References

[edit]

1. ^ Donatus, Aelius. "About Comedies and Tragedies". Commentary on Terence.
2. ^ "Dramatic Arc".

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