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About this quote

What does it mean?
Drama assumes an existing order so that it can surprise by disrupting that order. Without order, there is no contrast for surprise.
In plain terms
Drama needs a regular order to create surprise when it breaks.
What can you take from it?
Order is necessary to make disruption meaningful in art.

Where it applies

  • writing
  • performance
  • storytelling

Putting it to work

  • establish structure before breaking
  • plan disruptions
  • build contrast

Questions to consider

  • What order do you seek to break?
  • Is surprise always good?

Another view

It generalizes all art forms which may not rely on order.

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