“Scientific and Specialized Journal of Modern Literary Research”

“Scientific and Specialized Journal of Modern Literary Research”

Analysis of the Function of Intertextuality in the Formation of Narrative Identity of Characters in Persian Postmodern Plays

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Master of Dramatic Literature, Faculty of Art, Soore International University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Instructor, Faculty of Art, Soore International University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Intertextuality, as one of the prominent pillars of postmodernism, transforms the narrative identity of characters in Persian postmodern plays into a multilayered, fluid, and fragmented structure by creating connections among ancient, modern, and global texts. This study analyzes three key plays—Sleep in an Empty Cup (Naghmeh Samini), It Doesn't Snow in Egypt (Mohammad Charmshir), and Death of Yazdgerd (Bahram Beyzai)—in terms of how intertextuality contributes to the formation of characters' narrative identities. The findings reveal that mythological, romantic, historical, and contemporary references shift character identity from traditional unity toward postmodern complexity. The results also show that intertextuality functions not only as an aesthetic device but also as an identity-forming mechanism in the reconstruction of characters within the dramatic text. In these plays, character identity is not fixed or purely psychological but rather a diverse and linguistic process that emerges through constant interaction with other texts. This study emphasizes the role of intertextuality in redefining identity in Iranian dramatic literature and suggests that further comparative research with global works and analyses of additional plays should be pursued. The outcomes of this research may contribute to a deeper understanding of postmodernism in Persian theatre.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 24 December 2025