Pfister offers for the first time a systematic description method for dramatic texts that overcomes the one-sidedness and focus on specialized problems prevalent in previous literature. His theory of drama is based on the latest findings in communication research and explores, using a broadly varied text corpus that ranges from ancient drama to avant-garde theater, all linguistic and extralinguistic layers of drama. An ideal working and introductory book: each structural description is illustrated closely with concrete examples; clear terminology, a well-organized structure, and precise bibliographic referencing of the existing literature spare beginners from the initial shock of their reading workload.