Book · 1972 · Performing Arts
The Art of Dramatic Writing
Its Basis in the Creative Interpretation of Human Motives
Why people recommend it
Lajos Egri's classic work provides foundational guidance on the core principles of character-driven storytelling and dramatic conflict. During an interview on How I Write, guest Andrew Stanton recommended The Art of Dramatic Writing by Lajos Egri, noting that it was a book he frequently suggests to individuals interested in screenwriting and storytelling. Stanton revealed that he was deeply inspired by reading this 1940s playwriting manual, explaining that unlike many other screenwriting guides he had encountered, Egri's book truly resonated with his creative philosophy regarding character premises and narrative structure. Furthermore, Stanton referenced the text a second time during the conversation to illustrate a fundamental thematic point about universal impermanence, quoting the author's observation that even a seemingly static object like a rock constantly changes through environmental influences such as growing moss or getting damp. Stanton used these insights to emphasize that dynamic evolution is an inescapable reality for all compelling dramatic subjects, reflecting the enduring value of Egri's teachings on conflict and transformation in narrative art.
Who recommended it
- Andrew Stanton Recommended
Andrew Stanton — 3 mentions
“I was very inspired by reading a book about playwriting in the '40s called The Art of Dramatic Writing by Lajos Egri. I've read every book that there is about screenwriting and about stories, and that one spoke to me, and he has a a belief about”
“I'm going to quote that book again. Lajos Egri says in The Art of Dramatic Writing like even a rock changes. You know, grows moss, it gets damp, it gets dries off the sun like nothing stays the same.”
“I mean, I'm often asked that and I've already thrown up that one book The Art of Dramatic Writing and there's a book that's called How Not to Write a Screenplay. Which sounds like the kind of book that that you would avoid in a bookstore.”