Add to ORKGDramatic discourse is being observed as a specific segment of the drama phenomenon from the point of view of the literary theory. A vacuum is being acknowledged within the literary theory, and causes of this vacuum are being analyzed. Analysis is directed towards the genealogical system of literature, as well as towards confronting this area of interest with other related areas: narratology (theory of the narrative discourse) and theatrology (theory of theater). Essential characteristics of the dramatic text are being identified (iconic organization of meaning and narration within "the paratext") upon which a theory of dramatic discourse is expected to grow