Dramatic Elements Flashcards

Study Notes

Drama: A performance piece featuring characters and a conflict, sometimes narrated by one of the characters.
Acts: Major divisions of action within a drama, further subdivided into scenes.
Script: The written text that contains the dialogue, stage directions, and other elements of the performance.
Dialogue: The spoken exchanges between characters, indicated next to the character's name without quotation marks.
Stage Directions: Instructions included in the script, detailing how the stage should look and how characters should behave.
Set: The physical backdrop on stage that indicates the time and place of a drama's action.
Props: Objects used by actors to enhance realism and support the action in the performance.

Comedies: Light-hearted plays with happy endings, where humor often arises from dialogue and situations.
Tragedies: Serious plays depicting the downfall of a tragic hero, caused by a flaw in their character.

Monologue: A lengthy speech given by a character to others, revealing emotions or attempting persuasion.
Soliloquy: A speech delivered by a character alone, often addressing the audience or expressing inner thoughts.

External Conflict: A struggle between a character and an outside force, which may include nature, society, or another character.
Internal Conflict: A psychological struggle within a character, often reflecting conflicting emotions or decisions.

Scenes: Distinct events or episodes that make up the narrative of a play.
Dramatic Effect: The combined elements of a drama that create a believable illusion of reality, contributing to the overall theme.
Theme: The overarching message or central idea that explores aspects of life within the drama.
Plot: The ordered sequence of events that unfolds throughout the play.