1. Aristotle’s model of a drama/stage production.
Elements of a Drama
Aristotle’s model of a drama/stage production.

2. Daily Objective 7th Grade:
By the end of today you will have a background in the core elements of a drama/stage production, according to Aristotle.
7th Grade:
RL.7.5 — Analyze how elements of a drama/poem contribute to the meaning.

3. Ice-Breaker Take a look at the film script for The Fault in Our Stars.
What are two things you notice about it that are different when compared to a traditional novel?

4. Drama
The next piece of literature we’re going to cover is a “drama,” “play,” or “stage production.”
Be sure to keep this in mind…
A drama is not the same thing as a traditional story. They function in completely different ways!

5. A quick preview of what dramas we’ll cover…
7th Grade: Sorry, Wrong Number
A 1948 American suspense film noir drama about a murder plot in New York.

6. Drama Background Noun — \ˈdrä-mə, ˈdra-\
A piece of writing that tells a story and is performed on a stage
A play, movie, television show, or radio show that is intended to evoke a serious emotion from the audience — such as humor or sadness.

7. Foreshadowing Background Verb — \-ˈsha-(ˌ)dō\
When an author provides specific hints to the reader for events that will occur later on.

8. Suspense Background Noun — \sə-ˈspen(t)s\
A feeling or state of nervousness or excitement caused by wondering what will happen in a situation.

9. Aristotle’s 6 elements of drama
Aristotle developed a system of describing dramas/plays within 6 core elements.
Setting
Plot
Character
Theme
Conflict
Point of View
&
6 Elements of a Narrative
6 Elements of a Drama

10. 6 Elements of a Drama Plot Music Character Dialogue Theme Spectacle
The 6 Elements of a Drama are:
Music
Character
Dialogue
Theme
Spectacle
The most important elements

11. Plot Character 6 Elements of a Drama
The arrangement of events on stage. The series of events that make the story occur. Plot is composed of clearly defined problems for the characters to solve.
Character
The agents or people involved with the plot.

12. Theme Dialogue 6 Elements of a Drama
The central underlying message of the story. The reason and purpose for the story.
Dialogue
The dramatic dialogue between characters.

13. music Spectacle 6 Elements of a Drama
The rhythm and tone of the play. The combination of all elements to make the feeling/mood for the play.
Spectacle
Everything that is heard or seen on stage. The actors, lights, costumes, props, etc.

14. Tutorial/Example
Remember that a play isn’t written like a traditional story. Try reading Mrs. Stevenson’s lines aloud:
SCENE: Mrs. Stevenson is dialing a number on a phone as the curtain rises. She listens to the phone, slams down the receiver in irritation. As she does so, we hear the sound of a train roaring by in the distance.
MRS. STEVENSON: (a querulous, self-centered neurotic). Oh dear! Operator? I’ve been dialing Murray Hill for the last three quarters of an hour and line is always busy!
— Sorry, Wrong Number

15. Stage Direction
Instructions for how a drama is to be performed in front of an audience; the instructions are often set in parentheses.
MRS. STEVENSON: Oh! (she slams down the receiver hard.) Idiot! (Duffy listening at the phone, hangs up and shrugs, then attacks his pie as spotlight fades out. Mrs. Stevenson, in bed, looks at the phone nervously.) Why did I do that? Now he’ll think I am a fool.
— Sorry, Wrong Number

16. Quiz What are the six elements of drama?
What elements sets the mood of the play
What are the two most important elements?
What does the text in red represent?
Mrs. Stevenson (nastily) I can hear it you don’t have to tell me it’s busy! (Slams down the receiver. …she glances at clock, then, turning punches pillow up trying to make herself comfortable…) …If I could get out of this bed for a little while…