A book written in the 1960s is still relevant today, showing that, unlike science, theatre doesn't change theory rapidly. Although the plays used as illustrations are different than what you would see in a more recent book, the ideas presented are essentially unchanged, though there is much less focus on the actor/director than on the play. Unlike modern works, this book does not even mention the primacy of the actor/director; for the author, the play is what is important. This is one of the few things in theatrical theory that has changed, and not for the better. The plays are rather standard, all mostly linear plays, many of them overwritten by today's standards, but still good illustrations of the idea of character and conflict. A good introduction to theatre, but rather lightweight as textbooks go. ( )