- The 5 most important differences between a story and a play
- 1- Structure
- 2- Duration
- 3- Writing style
- 4- Narration
- 5- Purpose
- References
The main differences between a story and a play have to do with the structure, duration, writing style, narration, and purpose of each.
The story is a short literary narrative, which can be real or imaginary, and which generally unfolds in a fluid way and with a chronological sequence. It can have one or two main characters.
On the other hand, the play is a literary work based on scripts or dialogues, in order to be represented in front of a spectating public through the staging.
Both the story and the play are aimed at specific audiences, and have multiple differences between them, given the nature and style of each of these narratives.
The 5 most important differences between a story and a play
1- Structure
The story usually has a sequential structure, based on the description of scenes related to each other that follow a chronological order of occurrence.
Therefore, the story has a unique line of argument, based on an introduction, the climax and the denouement of the story. This factor is elementary for the construction of the characters.
Instead, the structure of the play is divided into sections called "acts." Each act has several scenes, delimited by the entry of a new character or a change of scenery.
2- Duration
The story is characterized by being a short story. The sequence of events that take place in the story must unfold quickly and accurately, all within the framework of the story's structure.
In contrast, the duration of a play is relative. A play can have from one to five acts, which can take several hours of staging.
3- Writing style
The story is written in prose; that is, the story is told in natural phrasing, with sentences and paragraphs.
Instead, the play can be written in both prose and verse. This last style of writing is characterized by the rhythmic composition of the words, with rhymes and metrics.
4- Narration
The story is usually told under the figure of the omniscient narrator. This narrator "sees it all" and describes the events, intentions, and feelings of the characters throughout the story.
On the other hand, in the play there is no narrator. These artistic expressions are characterized by using only the interpretation of the actors on stage.
5- Purpose
The story is designed to be read; that is its main function. It is a short story that comes to life from the narration, hence its popularity especially with children.
For its part, the play is written to be performed. The body of the play consists of a script and the actors bring the characters to life, representing the action in the staging.
References
- 10 Characteristics of the story (nd). Recovered from: caracteristicas.co
- Bermúdez, E. (nd). Structure and characteristics of the play. Recovered from: institutowashington.com
- Characteristics of the story (nd). Recovered from: andreyluli.wordpress.com
- Example of Characteristics of the Story (2017). Examplede.com magazine. Recovered from: examplede.com
- Example of Characteristics of a Play (2013). Examplede.com magazine. Recovered from: examplede.com
- Rojas, E. (2014). The story and the play. Recovered from: sajoratsoca.blogspot.com