Throughout theater history, we find basic dramatic forms reappearing. Two such forms are climactic structure and episodic structure. In addition, drama based on ritual, and the musical all have individual forms with specific characteristics. Climactic drama takes place in a short period of time, near the climax of the story; has a limited number of characters, scenes, and events; and is tightly constructed. Episodic drama has many episodes spread out over long periods of time and a number of locales. Episodic drama has many characters and frequently has parallel plots or subplots in addition to the main plot, as in Shakespearean drama. A simple, instructive chart in the text provides a point-by-point contrast between climactic and episodic drama. In addition to climactic and episodic plots, other structures have emerged in theater history: theater of the absurd, avant-garde theater, ritual, pattern, and serial structures. Each of these types of drama has characteristics that reflect and communicate an important part of its meaning. Without structure of some kind, we do not have art.