Characters

Rene Gallimard, Song Liling, Marc, Renee, Toulon, Helga, Comrade Chin, Pinkerton, Consul Sharpless

Conflict

Person-against-self - an internal conflict of feelings.

Person-against-person - the typical protagonist vs. antagonist scenario.

Person-against-society - the protagonist battles against the larger organizations of society
(or a system of beliefs held by society).

Person-against-nature - the protagonist is threatened by a component of nature.

Themes/Motifs/Symbols

Eastern vs. Western Culture

Cultural & Racial Stereotypes

Homosexuality

Illusions & Love

Infidelity, Mistresses, Geisha Girls

Madame Butterfly Opera

Deception, Seduction & Scandal

Communism, Spying, Vietnam, China

Aspects of the Theatrical Stage Production

Use of Dramatic Questions – dramatic hooks, devices to hold the attention of the audience. (Examples include: Will he come? Who did it? Will he or she succeed?)

Subdivisions: Scene & Act Construction – effect on plot pace, tension.

Experimental Theatrical Staging

The visual/audio production as stated in the stage direction (staging, lighting, backdrop, sound effects, music, etc.)