Introduction au Théâtre Français

Acte et Scènes

• An "acte" is a major division of a play, traditionally lasting as long as it took to burn candles.

• A "scène" is a section of an act, marked by entrances and exits of characters.

Personnages

• Protagonistes: Characters central to the conflict.

• Antagonistes: Characters opposing the protagonist(s).

• Supports: Actors/characters who assist protagonist(s) or antagonistes.

Situations et dialogues

• Aparté: Private remarks by a character, assumed to be un-heard by others.

• Improvisation: Spontaneity in dialogue (common to certain play styles).

• Couplets, stichomythie: Dialogue where speeches are exchanged between characters. A quick exchange of dialogue can heighten tension.

• Soliloque: When a character speaks their thoughts aloud, revealing inner conflict or motivations.

• Monologue: A lengthy speech by one character.

Décors

• Décor: Sets the scene. Can be physical (interior, exterior)
• Didascalies: Stage directions for actors, positions, costumes, etc.

Genres

• Tragédie: Play with an unhappy ending, focusing on fate and suffering.

• Comédie: Play with a happy ending, often using humourous techniques.

• Farce: A type of comedy that uses slapstick and simple humour.

• Comédie-ballet: A French genre combining elements of comedy and dance.

Structures et styles

• Incipit: Beginning of play or story, introducing characters and context.

• Climax/acme: The peak of the plot's tension or crisis.

• Point de départ: Initial conflict or problem introduced in a story.

• Dénouement: Resolution or outcome of the play.

• Choeur: In ancient Greek plays, characters played a supporting role that commented on or described events.

• Mise-en-scène: The staging/direction of a play, considering setting, costumes, lighting, and actors’ movements etc.

• Acte de mise en scène the entire stage design including costumes, props, direction, and actors.

• Mise en abyme: A structure where an object, a person, or a passage from the play is mirrored or replicated on the stage, often within the play itself.

• Métaphore: Metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.

• Similitude: Simile is a figure of speech that directly compares unlike things using words like "like" or "as".

• L'exposition: Introduction of characters, context, issues.

• Le point tournant/l'incitation: A crucial moment turning the plot towards a climax.

• Le dénouement: The resolution of conflict.

• Le comique: Humorous elements in a play. Subdivisions include: slapstick, physical comedy, verbal wit etc.

• Le rythme: The pace at which events unfold.

• Décor: The scenery and set of the play's environment.