1. Elements of Drama

2. What is Drama?
Drama is different from other forms of literature because it is written to be performed.
When you read a drama, you should imagine that you see and hear the action of the performance.

3. Drama, like fiction, includes:
Characters: people who take part in the action
Conflict: a problem between two characters or forces.
Shows a theme: a message about life.

4. What’s the difference between drama and stories?
Can be seen rather than just imagined
Made up totally of dialogue, stage directions, and occasional narration
A set to give the scene of the play
Written with intent to be acted on a stage and not just read
**Derived from the Greek word “drama”**
Means “I do”

5. Acts
Are the units of the action in a drama. Acts are often divided into parts called scenes.
ACT 1, SCENE iii: Darla’s Living Room

6. Dialogue It is the term given to the words characters say.
Quotation marks are not used in a script.
The words of each character appear next to the character’s name.
ACT 1, SCENE iii: Darla’s Living Room
Dana: I wonder where mom and dad are.
Julie: I have no idea, but they should have been here an hour ago.

7. Stage Directions
Stage Directions are sets of bracketed information that tell what the stage looks like and how the characters should move and speak.
ACT 1, SCENE iii: Darla’s Living Room
[Dana sits on the loveseat]
Dana: I wonder where mom and dad are.
Julie: I have no idea, but they should have been here an hour ago.

8. Set
The set is the construction on stage that suggests the time and place of the action.

9. Props
Props are the movable items or objects like books, a suitcase, or a flashlight.
Actors use these objects to make their action look realistic.
ACT 1, SCENE iii: Darla’s Living Room
[Dana sits on the loveseat]
Dana: I wonder where mom and dad are.
Julie: I have no idea, (Julie moves her WATCH to check the time) but they should have been here an hour ago.

10. Types of Drama
Drama is a word used to describe plays that address a serious subject.
Comedy is a form of drama that has a happy ending. The humor often comes out of the characters’ dialogue and situation.

11. Types of Drama
Tragedy is a form of drama in which events lead to the downfall of the main character. This character is often a person of great significance, like a king or a heroic figure.

12. Folk Tales Important part of all cultures These stories reflect the
History, cultural beliefs, and environments from which they come
Often told orally
Usually told by one person
Very dramatic
Storytellers change their voices, facial expressions, and body movements for different characters.
Often contain useful lessons, but must be entertaining