Aristotle’s Poetics, written in the 4th century BCE, remains one of the most influential works on storytelling and dramatic theory. Although it was initially conceived as a guide to tragedy in ancient Greek drama, its principles have transcended time and culture, offering a foundation for modern screenwriting. Aristotle’s insights into plot structure, character development, catharsis, and dramatic unity continue to guide contemporary writers in creating compelling narratives for film, television, and theater.
"A whole is what has a beginning and middle and end."
1. The Primacy of Plot
The Three-Act Structure
One of the most enduring applications of Aristotle’s principles is the three-act structure, which mirrors the progression Aristotle outlined: beginning, middle, and end. Modern screenplays, from Hollywood blockbusters to indie films, rely heavily on this structure. For example:
Act 1 (Beginning): The story introduces the protagonist, setting, and conflict. This corresponds to Aristotle’s concept of the prologue and introduction.
Act 2 (Middle): The protagonist faces challenges and obstacles, leading to a turning point or climax. Aristotle emphasized this as the heart of the drama, where the action escalates and reaches its peak.
Act 3 (End): The resolution ties up loose ends and brings closure, aligning with Aristotle’s focus on achieving unity and a sense of finality.
Consider Christopher Nolan’s Inception (2010): The first act establishes Cobb’s mission and his inner conflict; the second act escalates the stakes as the team ventures deeper into dream layers; and the third act resolves the tension with Cobb’s reconciliation of his guilt. This seamless progression exemplifies Aristotle’s insistence on coherence and causality in plot design.
Reversal and Recognition
Aristotle identified two critical moments in a plot: peripeteia (reversal) and anagnorisis (recognition). Reversal occurs when the protagonist’s fortune changes unexpectedly, while recognition is the moment of discovery or revelation that shifts their understanding.
In modern cinema, these elements are crucial in crafting memorable turning points. For instance, in The Sixth Sense(1999), the reversal comes when Dr. Malcolm Crowe realizes he is dead—a moment of recognition that recontextualizes the entire film. These moments resonate because they embody Aristotle’s idea of creating surprise and inevitability simultaneously, deepening the emotional impact.
2. The Importance of Character
While Aristotle placed plot above character, he acknowledged that well-developed characters are essential to a compelling story. According to him, characters should be believable, consistent, and purposeful. Modern screenwriting builds on this foundation by crafting multidimensional characters who drive the narrative and connect with audiences on an emotional level.
The Protagonist and Their Goals
Aristotle emphasized the importance of a central character, or hero, whose actions and decisions shape the plot. In contemporary terms, this is the protagonist, whose goals and conflicts form the narrative’s core. A protagonist must have a clear objective, whether it’s external (e.g., defeating an enemy) or internal (e.g., overcoming personal flaws).
For example, in The Pursuit of Happyness (2006), Chris Gardner’s goal of providing a better life for his son drives the story. His determination, resilience, and personal growth resonate with audiences, illustrating Aristotle’s principle that a protagonist’s actions must align with their desires and values.
Character Flaws and Hamartia
Aristotle introduced the concept of hamartia, often interpreted as a tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to the protagonist’s downfall. While modern storytelling has expanded beyond tragedy, this idea remains central to character development. Flawed protagonists are more relatable and compelling because they reflect the complexity of human nature.
In Breaking Bad (2008–2013), Walter White’s hamartia—his pride and ambition—transforms him from a sympathetic figure into an antihero. His flaws drive the story’s conflict and contribute to its tragic undertones, embodying Aristotle’s vision of a character whose choices lead to their inevitable fate.
3. Catharsis and Emotional Impact
One of Aristotle’s most enduring contributions to dramatic theory is the concept of catharsis. He argued that tragedy should evoke pity and fear, ultimately purging these emotions and providing the audience with a sense of emotional release. This principle remains at the heart of modern scriptwriting, as filmmakers aim to create stories that provoke strong emotional responses.
Eliciting Pity and Fear
In Aristotle’s view, audiences feel pity when they empathize with a character’s suffering and fear when they see their own vulnerabilities reflected on screen. Successful screenplays tap into these emotions by creating relatable conflicts and high stakes.
For example, in Schindler’s List (1993), the audience experiences pity for the Jewish victims and fear for their survival under the Nazi regime. The film’s emotional intensity builds to a cathartic release as Oskar Schindler breaks down, lamenting that he couldn’t save more lives. This moment aligns with Aristotle’s vision of catharsis, leaving the audience deeply moved.
Catharsis in Modern Genres
While Aristotle focused on tragedy, catharsis is not limited to this genre. Comedies, action films, and even horror stories aim to provide emotional release. In The Avengers: Endgame (2019), audiences experience catharsis through both grief and triumph as beloved characters make sacrifices and achieve victory. This emotional journey keeps viewers invested and satisfied, demonstrating the universality of Aristotle’s insights.
4. Unity of Action, Time, and Place
Aristotle stressed the importance of the three unities: unity of action, time, and place. While modern storytelling has relaxed these constraints, the underlying principles still influence scriptwriting.
Unity of Action
Aristotle argued that a play should have a single, cohesive plot without unnecessary subplots. In screenwriting, this translates to maintaining focus and avoiding distractions that dilute the narrative’s impact. For instance, Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) adheres to a tight, singular narrative focused on survival and rebellion, demonstrating the power of unity in creating a visceral, immersive experience.
Unity of Time and Place
Though contemporary films often span multiple locations and timelines, Aristotle’s principles still resonate in specific contexts. Movies like 12 Angry Men (1957) and Buried (2010) adhere closely to the unities of time and place, heightening tension and creating a sense of immediacy.
5. The Role of Spectacle and Language
Aristotle recognized the importance of spectacle (opsis) and language (lexis) in drama but regarded them as subordinate to plot and character. However, in modern cinema, these elements have taken on greater significance, especially with advancements in technology.
Spectacle in Visual Storytelling
Spectacle, or the visual dimension of storytelling, has become a cornerstone of modern filmmaking. Blockbusters like Avatar (2009) and Dune (2021) rely heavily on stunning visuals to captivate audiences. While Aristotle cautioned against spectacle overshadowing substance, these films demonstrate how spectacle can enhance a well-crafted story.
Language and Dialogue
Aristotle emphasized the importance of poetic language in evoking emotion. In modern scripts, dialogue serves a similar purpose, revealing character, advancing the plot, and conveying subtext. Films like Pulp Fiction (1994) showcase the power of sharp, memorable dialogue to engage audiences and elevate storytelling.
Conclusion:
Aristotle’s Poetics provides a timeless framework for understanding the mechanics of storytelling. Its principles—centered on plot, character, catharsis, and unity—form the foundation of modern scriptwriting, guiding writers in creating narratives that resonate with audiences. While the mediums and genres have evolved, the essence of Aristotle’s insights remains relevant, reminding us that at the heart of every great story is a desire to connect, evoke emotion, and illuminate the human experience. For modern screenwriters, Poetics is not just a historical text but a living guide to crafting stories that endure.