The Difference Between Episodic and Climactic Structure in Theatre

New York resident Janina Casey is an expert in financial equities who holds a degree from St. John’s University as well as certificates in management training from Harvard and Princeton. In addition to her current work as a managing director of equities at BTIG, Janina Casey, a former child actor, enjoys the theatre.

Theatre, which often incorporates comedy, tragedy, and drama, is an art form that involves dramatic representation of stories by live performers. In a dramatic representation, theatre is often formatted into an episodic or climactic structure.

Episodic structure, which involves a large number of different characters and locations, covers a lengthy period of time and typically includes sub plots in addition to the main story. Rather than condense the action, an episodic theatrical play expands the action broadly. Alternatively, climactic structure involves a condensed narrative that is focused on fewer characters over a smaller number of locations. Theatrical plays that use climactic structure pick up late in a story and closer to the climax. In addition to these two structures, theatrical plays can also blend elements of both dramatic and episodic structures.