Question

The unity of action means:

• A. A play should occur in one location
• B. The story should focus on a single plotline
• C. All events happen within 24 hours
• D. Characters remain static

Answer 1

Answer:

B. The story should focus on a single plotline

Unity of action is a dramatic structure principle that focuses on a single main storyline or conflict. It's a concept that emphasizes clarity and coherence, and helps audiences engage with the drama without being distracted by subplots. 

• Unity of action is a part of the classical unities, a theory of dramatic tragedy that originated in Italy in the 16th century. 

• It's a principle that can be applied to plays, screenwriting, and other narratives. 

• It helps to enhance thematic depth and emotional investment. 

• It limits the action to a single set of incidents that are related as cause and effect. 

• It ensures that all elements contribute to the central theme. 

Examples 

• In a play, the unity of action means that the play should have one main action with minimal diversions.

• In a screenplay, the unity of action means that characters should have a particular type of activity that is the visual way their story is told.