Influence Tactics in Plays1

This paper examines the use of influence by the protagonists of 5 plays: King Lear, Hamlet, Macbeth, The Doll's House, and The Caretaker. The analysis is based on a taxonomy of influence tactics found to be used at work and in affectionate relations. The frequency and strength of the influence tactics used by each protagonist, during each act of the play, are described. Changes in the use of influence are related to the protagonist's control of resources and reasons for influencing. It is suggested that a useful classification of plays may be based on the frequency and strength of influence tactics that are used.