The Conventions of Drama (Basic Terminology) Class Notes & Examples from Shakespeare

 Drama is a story written to be performed by actors.  Ex. Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare

 A type of play that focuses on a great misfortune, downfall, or disaster often times revolving around the main character.  Ex. Romeo & Juliet

 A type of play that usually has some sort of happy ending or positive conclusion (such as a wedding).  Ex. The Taming of the Shrew or Twelfth Night

 The sequence of events in a literary work (i.e. novels, dramas, short stories, etc.). Plot can include exposition, inciting incident, development, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution (or denouement).  Ex. Romeo & Juliet can be broken down into these same areas over the course of the five acts.

 A struggle between opposing forces. Note that this can be external or internal.  Ex. Romeo & Juliet is ripe with conflict, as characters struggle against one another, and certain characters become internally conflicted as well.

 A central message or insight into life revealed through a literary work. This is not the same thing as a motto!  Ex. The idea of forbidden love would be an important theme in Romeo & Juliet.

 The high point of interest or suspense in a work of literature such as a play.  Ex. If you think back to Romeo & Juliet, this would probably be the moment where Romeo is mourning Juliet’s death, and he is just about to take his own life. We are on the edge of our seats because we are desperately hoping Juliet will wake up.

 The introductory portion of the plot where the setting is established and most major characters are introduced. The basic setup/situation of the play can also be established.  Ex. The opening scene of Romeo & Juliet reveals the setting and time period as well as the fact that we have two feuding families (the Montagues and the Capulets, but their children will fall for one another during the play).

 Also referred to as the resolution in the plot structure. Conflict is concluded or resolved (most often) and a general insight may be conveyed.  Ex. Think of the very end of Romeo & Juliet. The families end their feud after Romeo and Juliet have died.

 The main character in a literary work.  Ex. This could be both Romeo & Juliet in in the play. They seemingly share that same role of being the major focal point of the work.

 The person/force with whom the protagonist battles.  Ex. Much like the multiple interpretations concerning who the protagonist of the work is, there are also conflicting interpretations of the antagonist, but there are forces directed against each other throughout the play (i.e. fate, the two feuding families, etc.)

 A character who provides a contrast to another character in a literary work.  Ex. Benvolio (Romeo’s peace-loving cousin) and Tybalt (Juliet’s enraged and aggressive cousin) are great examples of character foils.

 The author/writer of the play or dramatic work.  Ex. William Shakespeare is the playwright of Romeo & Juliet.

 Conversation between characters which ultimately furthers the plot (advances the action) of a literary work and can reveal major traits of certain characters.  Ex. The various conversations that occur between characters in Romeo & Juliet. The entire play is in the form of dialogue (with the exception of stage directions).

 A long speech delivered by one character to another or to a group of characters.  Ex. Romeo’s long speech to Juliet about his love for her in Act III is a prime example. It furthers the plot and reveals information about central characters.

 A long speech expressing private thoughts delivered by a character who is alone onstage.  Ex. At the opening of Romeo & Juliet, Romeo delivers a long speech while alone onstage. He reveals that he is lovesick over another girl (Rosaline), and that he is depressed over the fact that she does not love him back. He is worried he will not be able to move on in life.

 A private remark to one character or to the audience which is understood by the audience that it is not to be heard by other characters onstage.  Ex. This can be complicated and challenging to pick out. We will address this as we move through our works.

 Instructions about the setting, costumes, lighting, scenery and props used onstage.  Ex. The italicized sections of the actual text of the play provides essential details and information for the actors (as well as the audience).

 Contradiction between what a character thinks and what the reader or audience knows to be true.  Ex. In Romeo & Juliet, dramatic irony is present at the conclusion of Act IV. The reader knows that Juliet is not dead (but merely in some sort of coma), whereas nearly all other characters are unaware (except Juliet herself and the Friar).

 An event that occurs that directly contradicts the expectations of the characters, the reader, and/or the audience.  Ex. In Romeo & Juliet, situational irony occurs at the conclusion of the play when Romeo & Juliet commit suicide after nearly reconnecting. It is arguable that no one saw this surprise ending coming—except of course a really attentive reader. Perhaps it can be said then that irony can be subjective at times.

 Words are used to suggest the opposite of what is meant.  Ex. This is one of the most complicated aspects to uncover while reading Shakespeare. We will identify and analyze instances of verbal irony as we move through our plays, specifically focusing in on puns and sarcasm.