1. Drama Terms

2. Drama
A form of literature that is a written to be performed before an audience

3. Tragedy
Unveils the downfall of a main character in a serious tone

4. Comedy
A light an often humorous play

5. Plot
The chain of events that make up the story

6. Acts
Series and sequences that make up a play; where the plot is developed

7. Scenes
Series and sequences that make up the acts of a play

8. Setting
The established time and place of a play

9. Characters
The individuals who participate in the action and bring the plot to life through words

10. Dialogue
The conversation between characters

11. Protagonist
The central character of the play that is deeply involved in the conflict and may change because of it

12. Antagonist
A major character that opposes the central character

13. Foil
A minor character that contrasts in personality with the central character

14. Conflict
A struggle between opposing forces

15. Theme
The central message that the writer wants to share with the audience

16. Cast of Characters
A list of characters presented before the action starts

17. Stage Directions
Italicized words that identify the setting, suggest the use of props, lighting, scenery, sound effects, describe how characters look, speak, move, and react

18. Exposition
Provides essential background information and introduces the characters, setting, and conflict

19. Rising Action
The conflict intensifies and complications arise that make the conflict more difficult for characters to resolve

20. Climax
The turning point of the action, when a reader’s interest is at its highest point

21. Falling Action
Reveals the final conclusion of the conflict

22. Resolution
Ties up loose ends in the plot

23. Monologue
A long speech that is spoken by a single character to himself or herself, or to the audience

24. Soliloquy
A monologue in which a character speaks private thoughts aloud and appears to be unaware of the audience

25. Aside
A short speech or comment a character delivers to the audience, but that seems unheard by the other characters who are on the stage