Shakespearean Drama Terms Macbeth

Drama Literature that tells a story through performances by actors

Tragedy A play that ends with the downfall or death of the protagonist or main character

Tragic Hero An outstanding person of high rank who falls to his or her ruin (e.g. John Proctor)

Dialogue The lines characters speak in conversation with each other

Monologue Long speeches delivered by one character to others

Aside Private remarks to another character or to the audience that are not heard by the other characters onstage

Soliloquy Speeches voicing a character’s inner thoughts and not heard by others

Stage Directions Instructions about the setting, costumes, lighting, scenery, or props. Can also indicate blocking (stage movement)