The Elements of Drama

Introduction to Drama What is DRAMA? A drama or play is a form of literature that is performed for an audience either on stage or before a camera

The Elements of Drama Drama, like fiction, tells a story with characters, setting, and plot Drama is meant to be performed for an audience and is written in the form of a script

Understanding the Elements Cast of Characters A script usually begins with a list of characters List includes a short description of each character

Understanding the Elements Dialogue DIALOGUE = conversation between characters Plot and characterization is revealed through dialogue Dialogue appears in lines next to the characters’ names

Understanding the Elements Stage Directions Instructions for the performer, director, and stage crew Printed in italics and enclosed in (parentheses) Describe scenery, props, movement and speech

Understanding the Elements Acts and Scenes The action of a play is divided into scenes A scene changes when the setting, time, place, or both changes. Sometimes scenes are grouped into acts.