The Structure of the Fabula (I): Aristotle's 'Poetics' (Narrative Theory, 1)
22 Pages Posted: 19 Nov 2015
Date Written: 1990
Abstract
'Narrative Theory' is an online introduction to classical structuralist narratological analysis. The first section addresses the structure of the action or fabula, a mode of analysis that originates in Aristotle's 'Poetics', a seminal work in the theory of narrative. Aristotle's main concepts bearing on fabula structure are examined: his definition of plot and unity of action, his classification of kinds of plots, taking into account the characters' knowledge, and his conception of the sections of plots. This is followed by an account of his theory of characters.
Keywords: Poetics, Narratology, Action, Representation, Plot, Discourse structure, Literary theory,
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