Elements of Drama Literary Terms

Drama Allusion- an indirect reference by casually mentioning something that is generally familiar (In literature, we find may allusions to mythology, the Bible, history, etc.) Aside- Lines whispered to the audience or to another character on stage (not to be heard by all the characters on stage) Catastrophe- the final event in the drama (a death in a tragedy or a marriage in a comedy)

Comic Relief- a bit of humor injected into a serious play to relieve the heavy tension of tragic events Crisis or Climax- the turning point in the plot (This occurs when events develop either for or against the main character and a crucial decision must be made.) Dramatic Irony- occurs when the audience knows something that the character on stage is not aware. Personification – adding human qualities to non human objects

Simile- an expressed comparison between two different things using ‘like’ or ‘as’- Ex: ‘eyes twinkle like stars’- ‘as loud as the roaring sea’ Tragic Flaw- A character trait that leads one to his/her own downfall or destruction.

Foreshadow- Lines that give a hint or clue to future events (It doesn’t tell the future but hints at it.) Irony- a method of expression in which the ordinary meaning of the word is the opposite to the thought in the speaker’s mind or events contrary to what would be naturally expected Metaphor- a figure of speech whereby the name of a thing is substituted for the attribute which it suggests. Ex: ‘It is the East and Juliet is the Sun.’

Play Terms Drama- major genre of literature; performed on stage Play- one drama; performed by live actors; classifies by the view of life they present and their style Script- the written form of a play, TV show, film or radio show Plot- action of the play, grows from conflict Scene- pieces of the action; usually changes as the setting changes

Act- grouping of the play, grows with conflict Cast of Characters- list of all the characters or players at the beginning of the script Dialogue- lines of conversation spoken by characters Stage Directions- instructions for actors and stage crew (in italics) Theme- a message communicated by the play

Monologue- a long speech spoken by one character on stage to another Soliloquy- a long speech spoken by a character to himself, herself or the audience Chorus- group of about 15 actors who comment on action in a classical Greek drama Tragedy- drama that traces the downfall of a character or characters with a tragic flaw; a play with an unhappy ending. Tragic Hero- a dignified main character, or protagonist, involved in significant events and actions that lead to a loss