Critically examine Aristotle`s view on the importance of plot and character. Part 1

Aristotle says, “The representation of the action is plot of the tragedy; for the ordered arrangement of the incidents is what I mean by plot.” Actually the tragedy, according to Aristotle is impossible is without plot but it can be without character. The plot is the ordering of the incidents; for tragedy is a representation, not of men, but of action and life, of happiness and unhappiness and happiness and unhappiness are bound up with action. There cannot be tragedy without action but there can be without character. Plot is essential for the arrangement of the incidents; character, on the other hand, is that which enables us to define the nature of the participants and  thought comes out in what they say when they are proving / indicating a point or expressing an action. Let us discuss the view of Aristotle’s plot and character.

Aristotle defines, “tragedy, then is a representation of an action that is worth serious attention, complete it in self, and of some amplitude; in language enriched by a variety of artistic devices appropriate to the several parts of the play, presented in the form of action, not narration, by means of pity and fear bringing about the purgation of such emotions. “ Aristotle determines six constituents of every tragedy. They are plot, character, diction, thought, spectacle and song. Of these two represented. According to Aristotle, of all the elements the most important is the plot, the ordering of the incident;…………… Next Page 2

Critically examine Aristotle`s view on the importance of plot and character. Part 2

Previous Page……………….……….The plot is the first essential of tragedy, its life-blood, some plots are simple and some plots are complex, for the obvious reason that the action of which they are represented are of one  or other of these kinds. A simple action refers to one which is single and continuous and in which the change of fortune comes about without a reversal or a discovery. A complex action is one in which the change is accompanied by a discovery or both. It is told that tragedy is the representation of an action that is complete and whole and of a certain amplitude for a thing may be whole yet lack amplitude. Now a whole is that which has a beginning, a middle and an rnd. So, well –constructed plots must neither begin nor end in a haphazard way but must conform to the pattern.

Aristotle also arrests that the plot of tragedy should be such that it must arouse pity and fear ad does not necessarily end in total gloom but produces us a kind of tragic pleasure – cathartic effect and with this view in mind Aristotle recommends suffering involving near and dear relations in the plot of tragedy. Aristotle says that pity is awakened by undeserved misfortune and he does say that fear comes out by that of someone just like ourselves. Aristotle would like to say that it is the plot that gives the form to the drama and it is the plan that makes character significant and dramatic. A play id like a living organism and the plot is its driving force - soul. The plot is the origin of the play, the foundation of the play. The plot is not only the beginning but also the end of the tragedy. The important tragic action originates in a conflict, Hence…………… Next Page 3