Elements of Drama
What is dialogue?
Dialogue is when characters are speaking to each other, having a conversation.
Read the sentence below.
I had to repack my lunch after it spilled.
Think about the prefix re-. What does the word repack mean?
to pack AGAIN
Percy played piano perfectly.
Alliteration
This part of the plot is the turning point in the story.
Climax
Which defines the word "quaint" as it is used below?
We drove by a small town with cute, quaint homes.
A. futuristic B. large and expensive C. charming
C. charming
Instructions that tell characters what to do while acting are called...
stage directions
Read the sentence below.
Ellie's mom always prepays for movie tickets.
Think about the prefix pre-. What does the word prepay mean?
to pay for something BEFORE you need to
Mom is a real bear when she is mad.
Metaphor
This means mom can be mean and vicious when she is mad.
This part of the plot introduces the setting, main characters, and gives background information.
Exposition
Which defines the word "captive" as it is used below?
The guard was responsible for the well-being of the captives.
A. superior officer B. prisoner C. honored visitor
B. prisoner
Give an example of something you can learn about characters from their dialogue.
Answers will vary
Read the sentence below.
My posttest score was much better than my pretest score.
Think about the prefix post-. What does the word posttest mean?
a test given AFTER you have learned the material
She was as cool as a cucumber under pressure.
Simile
This means she stays calm, even when there is a lot going on.
This part of the plot includes any events that lead to the climax.
Rising Action
Which defines the word "alter" as it is used below?
Grandpa had to alter his plans when he found out Suzie was coming on the fishing trip.
A. make up B. change C. return
B. change
The Clumsy Princess
Characters: The King The Princess The Dragon Setting: Outside the castle in the woods.
Princess: (tripping over a log) Oh no! Help, help, help!
Dragon: (running quickly) What’s wrong? Are you okay?
Princess: (sobbing) My foot is stuck under the tree log. I’m already late for the King’s feast.
Dragon: No need to worry Princess. I can move the log and fly you back to the castle (picking up the log and putting the Princess on his back).
Princess: Thank you Dragon, I am forever grateful to you for your kindness (shaking his hand).
King: (Waiting outside the castle, looking worried) Oh, Princess I’ve been worried sick about you! I’m so glad you are okay.
What stage directions tell you that the Dragon was concerned when the Princess screamed for help.
A. Sobbing B. Tripping over a log C. Shaking his hand D. Running quickly
D. Running quickly
Read the sentence below.
I dislike when I have to drive in the rain.
Think about the prefix dis-. What does the word dislike mean?
to NOT like something
The trees danced around in the breeze.
Personification
The tree branches were swaying back and forth in the wind.
This part of the plot shows that the problem has been solved in the story.
Resolution
Which defines the word "unjust" as it is used below?
Kevin thought it was unjust that he had to miss recess because he did not complete his homework.
A. not fair B. reasonable C. balanced
A. not fair
The Clumsy Princess
Characters: The King The Princess The Dragon Setting: Outside the castle in the woods.
Princess: (tripping over a log) Oh no! Help, help, help!
Dragon: (running quickly) What’s wrong? Are you okay?
Princess: (sobbing) My foot is stuck under the tree log. I’m already late for the King’s feast.
Dragon: No need to worry Princess. I can move the log and fly you back to the castle (picking up the log and putting the Princess on his back).
Princess: Thank you Dragon, I am forever grateful to you for your kindness (shaking his hand).
King: (Waiting outside the castle, looking worried) Oh, Princess I’ve been worried sick about you! I’m so glad you are okay.
What does the dialogue below show you about the dragon as a character?
Dragon: No need to worry Princess. I can move the log and fly you back to the castle
Read the sentence below.
We had unexpected visitors for Christmas this year.
Think about the prefix un-. What does the word unexpected mean?
to NOT expect something
Your mother has asked you to clean your room at least a million times!
Hyperbole
This means the mom has asked a lot.
This part of the plot is any event that leads to the resolution.
Falling Action
Which defines the word "schemes" as it is used below?
This better not be another one of your silly schemes.
A. hopes B. opinions C. plans
C. plans