Plot
Parts of a Play
Dialogue and Stage Directions
Theme
100
Define plot.
Plot is a term for the sequence of events in a play or story; it's what happens in the story.
100
Name 3 parts of a play.
- Cast of characters - Props - Setting - Dialogue - Stage directions - Narrator - Acts/scenes - Plot - Costumes - Theme - Script
100
What do stage directions do?
Stage directions provide details about the setting and tell the actors what to do/how to say their lines
100
Define theme.
Theme is the author's message to the audience.
200
Draw and label a plot diagram.
Exposition --> Rising Action --> Climax --> Falling Action --> Resolution
200
What is the purpose of the cast of characters?
The cast list gives you important information about the characters in a play. Previewing the cast list helps you understand the play better.
200
What is dialogue?
Dialogue is the conversation between characters; it's the words characters say to each other. The dialogue of a play is what tells the story and reveals plot and theme.
200
Name the theme of one play we've read in class. Give examples from the play that support the theme.
The Amazing Laundry Hamper - help others just for the sake of helping and not just to get a reward Breaking the Ice - Never give up; keep trying and you can make your dreams come true Sitting in for Freedom - Work together to achieve a common goal; everyone deserves equal rights
300
Explain how the plot is organized in a play.
The plot of a play is organized like the plot of a novel, with an exposition that introduces the characters and the setting, rising action that leads to a climax, and falling action that leads to a resolution. However, the plot of a play is moved along by the dialogue between characters. Sometimes the narrator provides information important to the plot. Also, the events that make up the plot of a play are divided into sections called acts and scenes.
300
What is the purpose of the list of props?
The props are objects used in the play. Knowing what objects will be used in the play helps you make predictions so you'll understand the play better.
300
How do you identify stage directions in a play?
Stage directions are usually italicized and put into parentheses or brackets, like (this) or [this].
300
What is the difference between the big idea of a play and its theme?
The big idea is the topic of a play; the theme is the playwright's message about the topic. The theme includes the playwright's opinion and feelings about the topic.
400
Explain what happens during the exposition of a play.
During the exposition, the characters are introduced and the setting is revealed. The conflict may also be presented.
400
What does the narrator do in a play?
The narrator provides the audience with important information about the characters, setting, and plot of a play. The narrator also helps move the play through time.
400
What information can you learn from stage directions?
Stage directions give you information about the characters, the plot, and the theme. For example, how a character says a line can reveal whether that character is friendly or mean.
400
How is theme in plays different and similar to theme in novels?
Similar: - Both plays and novels have a theme - Theme in both is the author's message - Most of the time, theme is implied Different: - Theme in a play is revealed through dialogue and actions of characters
500
Compare the plot of plays and the plot of novels. How are they similar and different?
Similar: -Basic pattern of plot in plays and novels is the same, with an exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and a resolution -Both contain the basic story elements -Usually revolve around a conflict Different: -Plot in plays is moved along by dialogue between characters; plot in novels is moved along by text -Plot in plays is organized into acts and scenes; plot in novels is organized into chapters -Plays are meant to be performed; novels are simply read
500
Compare plays and novels. How are they similar and different?
Similar: -Basic pattern of plot in plays and novels is the same -Both contain the basic story elements -Usually revolve around a conflict - Both have themes Different: -Plot in plays is moved along by dialogue between characters; plot in novels is moved along by text -Plot in plays is organized into acts and scenes; plot in novels is organized into chapters -Plays are meant to be performed; novels are simply read - Plays have different parts, like cast of characters, props, costumes, and stage directions - Theme of plays is revealed through character dialogue and actions; theme of novels is revealed through text
500
What information can be revealed through dialogue?
Dialogue gives you information about the characters, the plot, and the theme of a play. Dialogue is what moves the play forward and reveals the plot.
500
How do playwrights use characters to reveal theme?
Playwrights reveal theme by developing characters to communicate their message through dialogue and actions. Sometimes the theme is stated, but usually it is implied and the audience has to figure out the theme based on what happens to the characters and what the characters say and do.
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