Drama Elements

Drama is literature written to be enacted before an audience.

The Origin of Drama Evolved from tribal past- acting out great triumphs and deep fears in early religious rites. 5 th century B.C.- ancient myths retold at religious festivals. Dithyramb- “goat song”, chorus sang the story in a contest, the winner got a goat. Eventually an actor enacted what was being sung, then several actors and a chorus, then just actors.

Aristotle divided drama into two categories: Tragedy- a serious play in which the protagonist has a fatal flaw. This leads to destruction that is unavoidable- fate decrees it. Comedy- a play with a happy ending- the protagonist wins.

History of Theater In the Medieval Period, the Roman Catholic Church produced morality plays. During the Renaissance, Classicism began. Greek and Roman manuscripts were discovered, translated, and produced. The 16 th Century was the Golden Age of Drama in England with writers such as Shakespeare.

Characterization Protagonist- the positive character; the hero. Antagonist- the negative character; opposes the protagonist. Tragic Hero- protagonist who has a character flaw (doesn’t make him a bad person) which brings destruction. Tragic Flaw- the characteristic that brings tragedy for the protagonist.

Types of speeches made by characters: Monologue- a long, uninterrupted speech by one character. Soliloquy- a speech that reveals the innermost thoughts of a character; spoken for only the audience to hear; thinking out loud. Dialogue- conversation between characters. Aside- a short speech made “to the side”, usually not in the hearing of other characters; often foreshadows, has irony, or has double meaning.

Exposition- intro to characters and setting Resolution- outcome of the conflict Climax- high point; protagonist makes decision about conflict Rising Action- complication of the plot due to the conflict Generating Circumstance- intro to the conflict Falling Action- events that occur because of the climax Plot Triangle

Dramatic Elements Conflict- the problem that keeps the protagonist from achieving his goal Theme- the author’s insight about life; the lesson to be learned from the story Dramatic Irony- a situation where the audience knows information that a character does not know.

Setting- costumes, lighting, music, sound effects, set, props, etc. Action- advancement of the plot. Motivation- the character’s reason for saying or doing something. Stage Direction- notes and instructions given by the playwright for enacting the play.

Stage Layout audience Center stage Upstage center Downstage center Upstage right Upstage left Center stage right Downstage right Center stage left Downstage right