Elements of Drama

What is a drama? A drama or a play is a story that is meant to be acted out on stage in front of an audience.

Cast of Characters A list of all of the actors in a drama or play – including a protagonist, an antagonist and other characters

Protagonist- the “good guy” or main character Antagonist- the “bad guy” or someone against the protagonist

Setting Where and when the story takes place * REMEMBER- setting is very important!! It can affect the characters’ motivations and actions

A drama presents a series of events called a plot The plot centers on a conflict, a struggle between opposing forces, and unfolds through the characters’ words and actions.

Dialogue The lines that the actors speak The conversations between characters

Stage Directions The instructions that tell the actors what to do on stage The stage directions are often put in parentheses

Ex: “I won’t go to the store Ex: “I won’t go to the store!” (Johnny slammed his foot down and quickly turned his head) EX: (Derek ran off the stage)

Acts and Scenes Acts- divide a longer play into smaller parts like chapters in a book Scenes- divide the acts each time the setting changes