Elements of Drama

A drama is written to be performed. The written form is called A script The author is called a playwright

Acts and Scenes An act is a group of 2 or more scenes that form a MAJOR division of a play A scene is one part of the action and usually begins when the setting(time/place) changes

Cast of Characters a list that describes who’s in the play and often how they are related to one another Often listed in order of importance –or- the order they appear in the play

Dialogue The conversation between two or more characters in a play. Through dialogue, a playwright reveals characters, plot and themes of the play

The Plot The action or main events in a drama showcases conflict Character vs character(problem with another character) Character vs society (problem with laws or beliefs) Character vs nature (problem with force of nature) Character vs self (problem deciding what to do or think Character vs. fate (problem that seems uncontrollable)

Setting Where and when the play takes place. In a play, the setting is usually described in a note or stage directions at the opening of the play and each scene.

Stage Directions Describe details of the setting and sound effects as well as direct characters how to speak their lines, move, act, think. Generally printed in italics and enclosed in (parentheses).