Who is Eugene O'Neill from The Art of Dramatic Writing and what is their importance?

Egri seems to have mixed feelings about the work of playwright, Eugene O'Neill. His play Mourning Becomes Electra is used to demonstrate good character growth. In the chapter 'Strength of Will in a Character,' the author recognizes the suspense O'Neill builds as he proves the vitality of his characters. However, the author comments how the characters become distorted, and that O'Neill misplaces their strengths.

A big compliment is paid to the play's rising conflict, how it rises higher and higher in incredible ways, and to its characters, who the author says are bigger than life. Unfortunately, the author detects a lack of motivation in the characters, saying O'Neill does not explain them in enough depth because he has no premise for the story.