Dramatic Realism is a term used to describe a specific genre of plays aimed at depicting ordinary people in ordinary situations. Henrik Ibsen has been named the “Father of Modern Realism” since he was able to perfect the formula for the well-made play (see glossary). The realist movement revolutionized every aspect of theatre (scenery, acting style, writing). Ibsen further broke the conventions of theatre at the time by using the middle class as the subject matter for his plays.

 

Some characteristics that define realism include:

(from Richard Chase, The American Novel and Its Tradition)

 

• “Renders reality closely and in comprehensive detail. Selective presentation of reality with an emphasis on verisimilitude, even at the expense of a well-made plot

• Character is more important than action and plot; complex ethical choices are often the subject.

• Characters appear in their real complexity of temperament and motive; they are in explicable relation to nature, to each other, to their social class, to their own past.

• Class is important; the novel has traditionally served the interests and aspirations of an insurgent middle class. (See Ian Watt, The Rise of the Novel)

• Events will usually be plausible. Realistic novels avoid the sensational, dramatic elements of naturalistic novels and romances.

• Diction is natural vernacular, not heightened or poetic; tone may be comic, satiric, or matter-of-fact.

• Objectivity in presentation becomes increasingly important: overt authorial comments or intrusions diminish as the century progresses.”