The Conventions of Drama Introduction notes for drama and preparation for A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

What is Drama? Drama—A form of literature that is written to be performed for an audience, whether on stage or in front of cameras. There are two main types of drama: Tragedy—a story that ends in sadness and shows the downfall of a major character or characters Example: Romeo and Juliet Comedy—a story that is light and often humorous in tone Example: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: Abridged Most dramas follow similar conventions or rules in how they are presented.

Drama vs. Prose Fiction Dramas are similar to works of fiction, like novels and short stories, because they share a common set of elements: Plot Conflict Setting Characters Themes Plot Diagram

Drama vs. Prose Fiction Dramas are different from novels and short stories because of how the stories are presented. Playwrights (the authors of plays) depend on certain production elements and actors to tell a story. Stage directions (instructions for the actors included in the script, often in brackets or italics) Blocking (the positioning of the actors) Costumes Lighting Props (objects used to help tell the story) Scenery (the backdrops or physical elements on stage)

Organization of Dramas Dramas are divided into acts and scenes. Each scene establishes a different time or place in the action. Shakespeare’s plays are usually five acts long with multiple scenes within each act. A Raisin in the Sun is divided into three acts with multiple scenes within each act. Usually, a character’s entrance or exit will mark a shift in the act and, sometimes, the scene.

The Characters They will include: The protagonist—the central character of the play; he/she often goes through extreme changes during the play The antagonist—the character who opposes or gets in the way of the main character Foils—characters whose traits or characteristics contrast sharply with those of the main character A play lists the cast of characters in the beginning, before the action starts.

Speech Devices Dialogue—the conversation between characters; everything from plot details to characterization is delivered in the dialogue Monologue—a long speech spoken by a single character Soliloquy—a speech in which a character speaks his/her private thoughts aloud; usually alone onstage (or thinks he/she is alone) and unaware of the audience Aside—a short speech or comment that is delivered by a character to the audience; no one on stage hears what is said

Speech Devices Dialect-- Monologue—a long speech spoken by a single character Soliloquy—a speech in which a character speaks his/her private thoughts aloud; usually alone onstage (or thinks he/she is alone) and unaware of the audience Aside—a short speech or comment that is delivered by a character to the audience; no one on stage hears what is said

Speech Devices Dialect—a particular form of a language that is peculiar to a specific region or social group Irony— a reversal of expectations…

Irony- When the reader expects one thing to happen, but the opposite occurs

Quiz next class on the material just presented.