What does blank verse primarily rely on in its structure?

Blank verse primarily relies on regular rhythm, specifically iambic pentameter, which consists of lines with ten syllables arranged in an alternating pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables. This structure creates a natural flow that allows for both the expression of complex emotions and the development of themes in poetry and plays. Unlike rhyme, which is not a characteristic of blank verse, the emphasis on rhythm gives the form its distinctive quality and lends itself well to the dramatic and narrative qualities often found in the works of poets like Shakespeare and Milton.

While options like rhyme, figurative language, and assonance can enhance poetic works, they are not fundamental to the definition of blank verse. Blank verse's defining feature is its use of a consistent metrical structure rather than a reliance on rhymed lines or specific sound patterns. Thus, the emphasis on regular rhythm makes it distinct within the broader category of poetry.