Drama Literature in which plot and characters are developed through dialogue and action – literature in a play form

Dialogue Written conversation between two or more characters

Tragedy A drama that ends in catastrophe – most often death – for the main character and often several other characters

Comedy A dramatic work that is light and often humorous in tone, usually with a happy ending

Monologue A speech given by a single individual in a play

Soliloquy A speech that a character gives when he or she is alone on the stage

Aside A character’s remark, either to the audience or another character, that others on stage are not supposed to hear

Stage Directions Often printed in italic type at the beginning of a play and beginning of acts and scenes – they are a guide to the action on the stage

Comic Relief A humorous scene, incident, or speech that relieves the overall intensity in the tragedy

Dramatic Irony The viewer or reader knows something that a character does not know

Verbal Irony Occurs when someone knowingly exaggerates or says one thing and means another Example: commenting on the beautiful weather when it’s raining

Situational Irony The contrast between what a reader or character expects and what actually exists or happens