The problem with which this investigation is concerned is that of determining a stylistic relationship between the playwriting techniques of Brendan Behan and those of accepted models, both traditional and modern. The approach is divided into two avenues of research. The first is that of establishing a historical perspective for the style of Behan's dramaturgy; the second is that of comparing the reactions to Behan's work by his contemporary critics. The purpose of this study is to analyze the playwriting techniques of Brendan Behan, giving particular emphasis to his methods of characterization and structure. This analysis is not an attempt to evaluate Behan's effectiveness or skill as a playwright. It is, instead, in the form of a comparison-and-contrast report which attempts to present antithetical ideas of playwriting and to arrive, finally, at a synthesis of critical opinion concerning Behan's methods of play construction.