A critic, loosely defined, is someone who observes theater and then analyzes and comments on it. Ideally, the critic is a knowledgeable and highly sensitive spectator who has developed a set of critical standards by which to judge the theatrical event. To understand and to appraise are among of the primary functions of the critic. Along with a strong background in the history, literature, and practical aspects of theater, the critic should develop criteria by which to judge the play. The critic might ask the following questions: What is being attempted? Have the intentions been achieved? Was the attempt worthwhile? These questions can guide his or her judgment. Critics frequently take one of two approaches: descriptive criticism, which attempts to describe as clearly and accurately as possible what is happening in a play or performance; and prescriptive criticism, which not only describes but also offers advice or comments about how it should be done. The writings of Aristotle are examples of the former type, those of Horace of the latter. People commenting on theater can be divided into reviewers, who report briefly on a theater event in newspapers or on television; and critics, who write longer articles for magazines or journals analyzing in depth a performance or the work of a playwright. that are published in magazines or journals. No matter how excellent a critic's insights, a theatergoer should not be intimidated by the critic's opinion. Criticism is not fact, but opinion, and it should be used as a means of determining the characteristics of a theater event, not as an absolute authority regarding an event's worth.