Elements of Drama

Elements of Drama Acts and Scenes Cast of Characters Dialogue Plot Setting Stage Directions Theme

Acts and Scenes Acts – a plays main parts Scene – a smaller part of an act (setting usually changes)

Cast of Characters A list of the plays characters. Sometimes there will be a description of the character Characters: Narrator/Beth Ralph Mother Ollie Father Claude Charlie Mrs. Wendleken Imogene Leroy Alice

Dialogue The talking or conversation between characters. A speech tag shows who is speaking. Dialogue reveals the plot and theme of the play.

Plot The action of the play (series of events). Exposition – begins the play (characters and setting are introduced), problem introduced Rising Action – problem gets worse Climax – a point of high tension Falling Action – the conflict starts to resolve Resolution – the ending is explained; the outcome is decided

Setting Place and time in which the play takes place; stage directions will name/describe the setting

Stage Directions Tell how a play should be performed List of characters, props, costumes Descriptions of settings, lighting, music, sound Details on how the actors should move, speak, behave

Theme The author’s statement about life What is the big idea of the play???