Final answer:
The traditional method a playwright uses to structure a play is by dividing it into acts and scenes. This structure helps organize the unfolding story and the division is dependent on the specific needs of the plot.
Step-by-step explanation:
The traditional way a playwright breaks up a play is 1) Into acts and scenes. Plays can range in length and may consist of one to five acts usually hinging on central plot points. An act may include an intermission, where audiences can take a break. These acts are divided further into scenes, which are specific moments in time and setting that progress the plot. A playwright's job is to structure these scenes in a way that serves the story, which can include a variety of elements such as flashbacks, or even following a non-linear timeline.
The structure of a play, whether a tragedy, comedy, history, or romance, typically follows the system of acts, scenes, and individual lines of dialogue. This helps create an organized format for the story to unfold and makes it easier for the actors, directors, and readers to follow along. The dramatic structure, or the sequencing of events, plays a crucial role in how a playwright develops the play, much like an architect's blueprint is essential for building a house. Hence, the division into acts and scenes is pivotal for the design of the play, based on the needs of the plot.