Characteristics of Drama

Key Terms

100

Name 3 characteristics of a drama

dialogue, monologue, dramatic speech, stage directions, actions, movements, facial expressions, settings, author’s purpose, sets, lighting, costumes, music, mood, conflict, plot, protagonist, antagonist, acts, scenes, performance

200

What are stage directions?

Non-spoken instructions in a script that guide actors, usually italicized or in brackets

300

How are dramas and plays structured? 

Acts and Scenes

400

Read this stage direction:

(Jada hides behind the door and whispers.) 

JADA: I don’t want them to see me.

What does the reader learn about Jada from the dialogue and stage directions?

She is nervous or scared

500

What characteristic best identifies this text as a play/drama?

JORDAN: We’ve been practicing for weeks, and I still feel nervous. 

ALEX: That’s normal. Everyone gets scared before performing. 

JORDAN: What if I forget my lines? 

ALEX: You won’t. I’ll be right there with you on stage.

It includes characters’ names followed by dialogue

Actions

100

What is the definition of an internal response? 

How a character feels or reacts internally (inside) 

EX: The character felt guilty and kept replaying the conversation in their head

200

What is the definition of an external response? 

How a character feels or reacts outwardly (outside) 

EX: Someone throws a punch after being insulted

300

How can internal / external responses impact the plot? 

They can create conflict, reflection and drive the story forward

400

How do Carlos’s internal and external responses affect the plot?

The team stands at the edge of the climbing wall. Rain begins to fall, making the surface slippery.) CARLOS: I’m not sure we should climb in this weather. 

MAYA: But if we don’t, we won’t finish the challenge. (Carlos hesitates, biting his lip, then takes a deep breath.)

CARLOS: Okay… let’s go slowly and be careful.

His hesitation and careful choice create suspense and move the story forward.

500

How do Leo’s and Tina’s responses to the spilled water help develop the plot of the play?

(Leo is trying to finish a class project before the bell rings.) 

LEO: If I don’t finish this diagram, I’ll fail! 

TINA: I can help! Hand me the markers. (Leo passes her the markers, but Tina accidentally spills water on the paper.) 

LEO: Great… now it’s even worse! 

TINA: Let’s try to trace it again before the teacher notices.

Their reactions create tension and push the story forward.

Genre

100

Name 3 different types of genres you might see in a play / drama

Tragedy, Comedy, Musical, Mystery, Thriller, Science Fiction etc. 

200

How might the playwright let the audience know the genre of the play? 

Stage directions, dialogue and specific elements of the genre

EX: A play in the 1920/s would mention jazz, flappers and trains 

300

What characteristic of a mystery did the playwright include to let the reader know this text is a mystery?

(The stage is dark. A single flashlight moves across the room. A desk drawer is open, and papers are scattered.)

DETECTIVE LEE: Someone was here last night. Nothing is where it should be. SAM: But the door was locked when we arrived. 

DETECTIVE LEE: That’s what makes this strange. Whoever did this didn’t want to be seen. (Detective Lee picks up a small key from the floor.)

DETECTIVE LEE: This might be our first clue.

clues and a problem to solve

400

What characteristic of science fiction did the playwright include to let the reader know this is a science fiction play?

The control room lights flicker. A large screen shows the planet Zorax.

LENA: Captain, the alien ships are getting closer! CAPTAIN RUIZ: Activate the force field and prepare the robots for defense. 

LENA: The computer says we only have three minutes before they land. (A robot rolls across the stage, blinking blue lights.)

Advanced technology and robots from the future

500

What is Ms. Foster's favorite type of play? 

Musical (Comedy is 2nd place)