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 Writer’s technique for creating believable characters

Dramatic speech Advances the story’s 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 what’s 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 what’s 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 detailsMagnet SummarySummary NotesCharacter Map

Magnet SummaryDiary of Anne Frank

Summary NotesDiary of Anne Frank

Character MapDiary 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 author’s 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 (character’s words) not descriptive

details like books, novels, or short stories