{{Short description|Introductory part of a play}} {{For|the if-clause in a condition|Conditional sentence}} {{one source|date=August 2020}} In drama, the '''protasis''' is the introductory part of a play, usually its first act.
The fourth-century Roman grammarian Aelius Donatus analyzed plays as being made of three parts: the ''protasis'', where characters are introduced and the premise is defined; the ''epitasis'', the main action, which develops the plot; and the ''catastrophe'', the resolution of the plot.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Donatus |first=Aelius |title=Commentary on Terence |chapter=About Comedies and Tragedies}}</ref>
This corresponds to the three-act structure in modern dramatic theory,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://makingmusic.ableton.com/dramatic-arc|title = Dramatic Arc}}</ref> where the three acts are the exposition, the rising action, and the dénouement.
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Category:Drama Category:Ancient Greek theatre
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