Readers Handbook Pages 502-511 Elements of Drama Readers Handbook Pages 502-511

An act is a group of two or more scenes that form a major division of a play. A scene is one part of the action, usually happening in a particular time and place. A new scene usually begins whenever the setting changes. Acts and Scenes

A cast of characters is a list that describes who’s in the play and often how they are related to one another. Characters have external characteristics and/or internal characteristics. Cast of characters

Dialogue Dialogue is the conversation between characters in a play. A play’s script contains the mainly the dialogue of the play. Dialogue

A monologue, or soliloquy, is a speech by one character who is alone on the stage. Speeches that are often important and dramatic. Monologue

Plot = action, main events in a drama Plot diagram Exposition Characters, setting, and conflict are introduced Rising action Conflict and suspense builds Climax Conflict reaches peak or turning point Falling action Suspense lessens Resolution Outcome of story is decided Plot = action, main events in a drama

Five types of conflict Person vs. person Person vs., society Person vs. nature Person vs. self Person vs. fate Five types of conflict

Setting Setting is where and when the play takes place. In a play, the setting is usually described in the stage directions or note at the beginning of each scene. Setting

Stage directions describe details of the setting and sound effects as well as direct characters how to speak their lines, move, act and look. They are usually in parenthesis or in italics. Stage directions help the reader visualize the scene. Stage directions

Theme is the central idea or universal message the author wants you to come away with after reading. Look for the general topic or “big idea”. Then, look for what the characters say and do relating to the topic. Come up with a statement that explains the author’s point or lesson about the topic. Theme