Elements of Drama

1
Elements of Drama
2
A drama is written to be performed.

• The written form is called
• A script
• The author is called
• a playwright
• or
• a dramatist

3
acts and scenes

• An act is a group of 2 or more scenes that form a
  MAJOR division of a play
• A scene is one part of the action and usually
  begins when the setting(time/place) changes

4
Cast of Characters

• a list that describes whos in the play and often
  how they are related to one another
• Often listed in order of importance or- the
  order they appear in the play

5
dialogue

• The conversation between two or more characters
  in a play.
• Through dialogue, a playwright reveals
  characters, plot and themes of the play

6
monologue

• a speech in which a character speaks to a silent
  or absent listener in a moment of deep emotion
• An important, dramatic moment in a play

7
Soliloquy and Aside

• Soliloquy
• Type of Monologue
• A speech by a character alone onstage
• His/her words reveal what he/she is thinking or
  feeling
• Example Kevin in The Wonder Years

• Aside
• A character makes a brief remark, either to the
  audience or another character, that others on
  stage do not hear
• Zack Morris on Saved By the Bell

8
the plot

• The action or main events in a drama
• showcases conflict
• Character vs character(problem with another
  character)
• Character vs society (problem with laws or
  beliefs)
• Character vs nature (problem with force of
  nature)
• Character vs self (problem deciding what to do or
  think
• Character vs. fate (problem that seems
  uncontrollable)

9
Setting

• Where and when the play takes place. In a play,
  the setting is usually described in a note or
  stage directions at the opening of the play and
  each scene.

10
stage directions

• Describe details of the setting and sound effects
  as well as direct characters how to speak their
  lines, move, act, think.
• Generally printed in italics and enclosed in
  parentheses.