Elements of Drama
a genre that is mean to be acted on stage
drama
A general type of character or plot; a template
archetype
The feeling a reader or audience gets from a text or performance; conveyed through words, actions, symbols, music, setting, etc.
mood
A type of struggle; this element drives and propels the plot
conflict
Where the story takes place, weather, time period, etc
setting
a conversation between two or more characters
dialogue
When characterization is provided through characters’ words, thoughts actions; readers have to make an inference as the characters’ traits, personality, etc.
indirect characterization
Clues that the author provides along the way to convey hints about the ending
foreshadowing
The point in the plot that occurs and if not for this event, the ending would not be the same
climax
Objects that have a literal meaning and a figurative meaning
symbols
Part of the script in parenthesis or italics to provide information to the actors and directors about actions, emotions, setting, etc.
stage directions
A character that makes significant changes throughout the plot either physically, mentally, socially, etc.
dynamic character
A comparison where the purpose is for the second to rename the first; it doesn’t use the words like or as
metaphor
The ending of the story where all the conflicts are wrapped up
resolution
The central message or universal truth of a story
theme
A long uninterrupted speech where a character is talking to himself or herself to reveal inner most thoughts and feelings
soliloquy
The main character doing the action; usually the “good guy or gal”
protagonist
a reference to something known or famous
allusion
Plot is the _____________ of events in a piece of fiction
sequence
When a text (story or image) makes fun of another idea, person, etc. in order to point out its shortcomings
satire
When a character breaks the fourth wall to interact directly with the audience; often the rest of the action freezes
aside
When the writer makes direct statements about a character's personality and tells what the character is like
direct characterization
Ideas, words, images, phrases that repeat for emphasis; also used to help develop and point to theme
repetition
When a situation in the plot turns out different than expected
situational irony
A story with a double meaning, or moral lesson
allegory