Poetics by Aristotle

Our subject being Poetry, I propose to speak not only of the art in general but also of its species and their respective capacities; of the structure of plot required for a good poem; of the number and nature of the constituent parts of a poem; and likewise of any other matters in the same line of inquiry. - Aristotle

In this treatise, Aristotle analyzes the storytelling devices found in Greek tragedy and epic poetry. His aim is largely descriptive, in explaining why people enjoy the storytelling found within these plays and styles. He builds upon this descriptive analysis to talk about what benefit can be derived from stories that evoke negative emotions like tragedy and begins to formulate the concept of Catharsis. This work is considered one of the earliest pieces of literary and dramatic theory.

This will be a free discussion over this treatise.

The Poetics - Aristotle (Free version online) (I particularly find the preface to be enlightening in the context of other discussions.)

Poetics by Aristotle | Audiobook with full Text - YouTube

Optional/supplemental resources:
The Poetics: WTF? Aristotle’s Poetics, Greek Tragedy and Catharsis