The purpose of a prologue in a drama is to tell about the characters, setting, and

The purpose of a prologue in a drama is to tell about the characters, setting, and

a. climax

b. rising action

c. falling action

d. problem

Answer: d. problem

In the play, a prologue is used to get the audience acquainted with the actors/characters, location and the issue in question also known as the complication. This part of the play is highly significant as it lays down the foundation for the entire play; it creates the initial background that the audience must grasp to be able to follow what is going to happen next.

The main events of the action are constantly accompanied by a narrative, giving the viewer information about the characters and their environment in their initial setting or prologue. This assists the viewers to immediately identify major characters and their quarry within the narration. The environment is also introduced, which creates for the viewers or readers an understanding of the time and geographical slot in which the drama takes place. Above all, in the prologue, one learns about the main issue or challenge that will be present in the show.

For instance, in “Romeo and Juliet,” Shakespeare’s play, the prologue provides information on the place of action- Verona, on the two warring families and the issue: the tragic love of the adolescent lovers, Romeo and Juliet whose deaths will end the strife of their families. Because the play is a tragedy, this brief prologue helps grab the audience’s attention and sets them up for the events that occur later in the play.

An example is the Prologue in “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller here the audience is welcomed to the play and introduced to the characters, the theme of the play that focuses on the fact that Willy Loman is a man in the decline who cannot accept the reality of life. This sets up the conflict that plays out all through the play it pits the two characters against each other.

This way the prologue equips the audience with this all-important background and allows the main parts of the drama to commence knowing the basic premises of the story. It allows the playwright to start straight with the details of the rising action not having to take time to explain the foregoing events in the plot in the main body of the work.