Elements of Drama

What is Drama? Drama is different from other forms of literature because it is written to be performed. When you read a drama, you should imagine that you see and hear the action of the performance.

Drama, like fiction, includes: Characters: people who take part in the action Conflict: a problem between two characters or forces. Shows a theme: a message about life.

What’s the difference between drama and stories? Can be seen rather than just imagined Made up totally of dialogue, stage directions, and occasional narration A set to give the scene of the play Written with intent to be acted on a stage and not just read **Derived from the Greek word “drama”** Means “I do”

Acts Are the units of the action in a drama. Acts are often divided into parts called scenes. ACT 1, SCENE iii: Darla’s Living Room

Dialogue It is the term given to the words characters say. Quotation marks are not used in a script. The words of each character appear next to the character’s name. ACT 1, SCENE iii: Darla’s Living Room Dana: I wonder where mom and dad are. Julie: I have no idea, but they should have been here an hour ago.

Stage Directions Stage Directions are sets of bracketed information that tell what the stage looks like and how the characters should move and speak. ACT 1, SCENE iii: Darla’s Living Room [Dana sits on the loveseat] Dana: I wonder where mom and dad are. Julie: I have no idea, but they should have been here an hour ago.

Set The set is the construction on stage that suggests the time and place of the action.

Props Props are the movable items or objects like books, a suitcase, or a flashlight. Actors use these objects to make their action look realistic. ACT 1, SCENE iii: Darla’s Living Room [Dana sits on the loveseat] Dana: I wonder where mom and dad are. Julie: I have no idea, (Julie moves her WATCH to check the time) but they should have been here an hour ago.

Types of Drama Drama is a word used to describe plays that address a serious subject. Comedy is a form of drama that has a happy ending. The humor often comes out of the characters’ dialogue and situation.

Types of Drama Tragedy is a form of drama in which events lead to the downfall of the main character. This character is often a person of great significance, like a king or a heroic figure.

Folk Tales Important part of all cultures These stories reflect the History, cultural beliefs, and environments from which they come Often told orally Usually told by one person Very dramatic Storytellers change their voices, facial expressions, and body movements for different characters. Often contain useful lessons, but must be entertaining