A play that is humorous
Comedy
A play that ends with the death of at least one of the main characters
Tragedy
The written text of a play. Usually includes a list of characters that appear in the play with a brief description of what the character is like, brief descriptions of the sets or setting, and the lines the character will speak
Script
Scene
A description or direction provided in the text of a play, usually indicated with italics, and/or parentheses. May indicate where the scene takes place, what a character is supposed to do, or how a character should deliver certain lines
A stage direction that tells the characters to come onto stage. Often includes a direction (left or right) or additional information
Enter
A major section of a play, similar to a chapter in a book
Act
A stage direction that tells the characters to leave the stage and the scene. Often includes a direction (left or right), or additional information
Exit
General name for moments in literature involving surprising, interesting, or amusing contradictions
Irony
People or creatures who appear in a script by speaking or doing something; someone in a script who is involved with a plot
Character
A minor character who does not have many or any lines usually does not have names but is identified by what they do such as servant, policeman, etc.
Extra
The lines spoken by the actors, preceded by the name of the character who is to speak the words
Dialogue
A speech, often in verse, addressed to the audience by one or more of the actors at the beginning of a play
Prologue
A contradiction between what the character thinks and what the audience or reader knows to be true
Dramatic Irony
A monologue performed by a character while other characters are on stage, the information in this monologue is not heard by the other characters on stage, even though they may be standing very close nearby; it is intended to convey. the characters private thoughts to the audience
Aside
A speech, often in verse, addressed to the audience by one or more of the actors at the end of the play
Epilogue
A list of the characters in a play, usually found on the first page of the script; often includes important information about the character
Dramatis Personae
The first part of the play; the part where the audience learns about the setting, the characters, and any background information they may need to understand the conflict
Exposition
A speech given by a single character who is alone on stage
Monologue
An extended speech by a solitary character expressing inner thoughts aloud to him or herself, and to the audience
Soliloquy