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7ELEMENTS

OF MODERN DRAMA

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1. Characterthe people (sometimes animals or ideas) portrayed by the actors in the play. It is the characters who

move the action, or plot of the play forward.

- “dramatis personae” (persons of the play)

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• TYPES OF CHARACTERSa.) Protagonist – central or principal character in

the story.

b.) Antagonist – principal rival in the conflict set forth in the play.

c.) Foil – is a character who defines certain characteristics in the protagonist by exhibiting opposite traits in a greater or lesser degree.

d.) Confidante – provides a ready ear to which the protagonist can address certain remarks which should be heard by the audience but not by the characters.

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2. PlotThis is what happens in the play.

Plot refers to the action.-The series/sequence of events in

the story; the body of the play.

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TYPES OF CONFLICT:A.) OPEN CONFLICT – rely on the struggle in which the hero through perhaps fight against all odds is not doomed.B.FORESHADOWING – in the form of ominous hints or symbolic incidents/conditions the audience to expect certain logical developments.C.COINCIDENCE – sudden reversal of fortune plays depict climactic ironies.D.DRAMATIC IRONY – the fulfillment of a play, action or expectation in a surprising way.

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3. ThemeIt refers to the meaning of the play.

Theme is the main idea or the lesson to be learned from the play. In some cases, the theme of a play is obvious

other times it is quite subtle.

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4. Dialogue Provides the substance of a play.

Each word uttered by the characters. Further the business of the play, contribute its effect as a whole.

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5. ConventionThese are the techniques and

methods used by the playwright and director to create the

desired stylistic effect.

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6. GenreRefers to the type of play. Some

examples of different genres include, comedy, tragedy, mystery

and historical play.

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7. AudienceThis is the group of people who

watch the play. Many playwrights and actors consider the audience to be the most important elements

of drama.

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Seatwork:

Identify the elements of the drama in each of the following numbers. Write your answer on the space provided.

_______1. most important element of drama according to playwright and actors._______2. people portray by the actors in the play._______3. these are the techniques and methods used by the playwright._______4. refers to the type of play.

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_______5. this is what happens in the play. Refers to the action: the basic story line of the play._______6. provides the substance of a play. Each word uttered by the characters._______7. it refers to the meaning of the play.

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Answer

1.Audience2.Character3.Convention4.Genre5.Plot6.Dialogue7.Theme