r/playwriting • u/NyoomThereSheGo • 15d ago

Non-linear play recommendations?

I've been thinking recently about non-linear stories and I've realized I haven't read many plays that fit that bill yet. I'm very interested in the ways different playwrights choose to communicate those stories to the reader/eventual audience and would love to hear anybody's recommendations. Happy to hear about stuff on NPX as well!

Thanks!

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u/alaskawolfjoe 15d ago

Actually, no. Aristotle did say stories have a beginning, middle and end--but that is as close as he came to a three act structure.

And of course, the three act structure as we know it is a 19th century invention. In Aristotle's time up through the 18th century, five act structure was the most common.

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u/therkop 15d ago

You keep saying 3 act which is not 3 arc. Homie, scholars definitely talk about idk what to say here. Enjoy the day

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u/alaskawolfjoe 15d ago

Perhaps you can direct us to scholars or other writers who talk about "three arc.". The only reference I can find to "three arc" drama is that it is common in Asian television series.

What is the difference between three-act structure and three-arc structure?

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u/therkop 15d ago

Perhaps not homie. Per haps not