Drama Unit Terms and definitions

DRAMA the literary genre of works intended for the theater

FLASHBACK a transition (in literary or theatrical works or films) to an earlier event or scene that interrupts the normal chronological development of the story

FORESHADOWING the use of clues to hint at events that will occur later in the plot

STAGE DIRECTIONS The specific instructions a playwright includes concerning sets, characterization, delivery, etc., italicized instructions in a play written by the playwright; describe the setting, entrances and exits of the characters, and how characters look, speak, and react to events or to others; suggest use of props, lighting, scenery, sound effects, and costumes

SCENES divisions of acts that occur in DIFFERENT SETTINGS

ACTS Two or more scenes grouped together

DIALOGUE the lines spoken by characters in drama or fiction

MONOLOGUE a (usually long) dramatic speech by a single actor

SOLILOQUY in drama, a character speaks alone on stage to allow his/her thoughts and ideas to be conveyed to the audience

NARRATOR The person that is telling the story in between lines of characters.

CHARACTERS A role or part in a play, movie, tv show, or book. antagonist the character who works against the protagonist in the story protagonist the main character in a literary work (usually the hero in the story)

Teleplay A drama written specifically for television.

Musical A drama in which music plays the key role.