Elements of Drama Important Words to Keep in Mind Character Drama Props Scenery Casts Climax - Elements of Drama Acts Units of action in a drama Divided into scenes Characterization Writers technique for creating believable characters Dramatic speech Advances the storys action Dialogue conversation between or among characters Monologue long speech spoken by single character/tells private thoughts of character Stage direction Sets of bracketed information that describe scenery and how the characters should move or speak Set Used for the construction on stage that suggests the time and place of action Props Small movable items that the actors use to make their actions look realistic Types of Drama Comedy Features everyday characters in funny situations Can be written to entertain or point out faults in society Tragedy The events lead tot the downfall of the main character Main character can be an average person but is often a person of great significance, like a king or a heroic figure Drama Describes plays that address serious subjects Types: Screenplays (movies), teleplays (TV movies), radio plays Reading a Play Before Reading Set a Purpose Answer three questions to set your purpose: 1. What are the main characters like, and whats the relationship among them? 2. What is the central conflict, and how is it resolved? 3. What is the theme of the play? Preview Checklist Title page, including the title and playwright Cast of characters General setting Number of pages, acts, and scenes Any background information, photographs, or illustrations Reading Strategy Summarizing Helps you keep track of the main action and main ideas Plays usually have more than one setting Action usually shifts from scene to scene Magnet Summary Start by selecting a magnet word Magnet word can be word that is repeated Magnet word can be a feeling or idea that is repeated Connect details to that word Can be used to sum up a moment, scene, or entire play During Reading Read with a Purpose Focus on questions What are the main characters like, and whats their relationship among them? What is the central conflict, and how is it resolved? What is the theme of the play? Jot down ideas or quotes while reading Sketch pictures to help you remember parts Remember important details Magnet Summary Summary Notes Character Map Magnet Summary Diary of Anne Frank Summary Notes Diary of Anne Frank Character Map Diary of Anne Frank Plot Diagrams Acts Scenes Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution After Reading Pause and Reflect Ask yourself these questions: 1. Can I describe the main characters? 2. Can I explain the central conflict in the play and summarize the plot? 3. What is the main message, or theme, of the play? 4. Do parts of the play confuse or puzzle me? Reread If you are unable to answer any of those questions, you need to reread. Focus on Theme Theme Message or idea that the playwright wants you to remember Some have one theme; others have many minor themes Three Step Plan for Understanding Theme 1. Find the big ideas or general topics 2. Find out what the characters do and say that relates to the general topic 3. Come up with a statement of the authors point or message about the topic Common Topics for Themes Childhood Courage Death Faith Family Freedom Friendship Growing up Hate Hope Identity Independence Justice Love Loyalty Nature Patience Patriotism Prejudice Race relations Self-improvement Self-reliance Success Trust Truth Unhappiness Violence War Focus on Language Study key lines and speeches in a play Consider how the stage directions contribute to a play Do not skip over Describe emotions, facial expressions, and other directions Helps the reader see the play Examine the dialogue to see the way it affects characters, plot, and theme Plays are based on dialogue (characters words) not descriptive details like books, novels, or short stories