I have to be honest, I'm not very confident about this text.
However some techniques of Sheridans', correct me if i'm wrong please.
- A major division of drama is the five act structure to the play existing of the Exposition, Complication, Climax, Falling Action & Catastrophe
-Use of stereotypical characters and what is referred to as 'comedy of manners' which is where the names reflect the character's attributes.
E.g. mr Premium related to money, Mrs Sneerwell who 'sneers well', Surface brothers who are to an extent superficial and interested in appearance. Joseph can be seen as trying to hold strong on his 'sentiments' in order to appear moral and hide the truth of his character - 'you are going to be moral, and forget that you are among friends'
You could also mention the definate seperation between good characters, evil characters and vulnderable young women.
-Satire. Sheridan satirises a society that is so shallow that gossip and slander become forms of entertainment.