DRAMA Drama is life with the dull bits cut out. ~Alfred Hitchcock

How Drama Is Like Fiction Drama, like fiction utilizes plot & characters develops a theme arouses emotion or appeals to humor may be either escapist or interpretive in its content

Presented on a stage Because drama is presented on a stage, ____________ is required to see what isn’t there. Events that are depicted must be of a size appropriate for a stage setting.

Presented before an audience This creates a communal feeling which intensifies the impact of the play It’s an “in the moment” experience because plays are presented live and there are no “rewinds” It’s unique because it’s never the same twice

Types of Drama Tragedy— Comedy—

Vocabulary terms to know dramatic irony— subplot— conventions— hamartia— hubris—

How Drama Is Like Poetry Like Poetry, Drama may draw upon all the resources of language, including verse. Much drama actually is poetry. An example would be Shakespeare’s plays.

Presented through actors When reading or watching a play, consider the following: A play presents action through actors, so it’s direct, immediate, and enhanced (or ruined!) by the actor’s skills. The facial expressions, body language, speech tones, etc. heighten the impact.

Elements of Drama Is similar to fiction & poetry Is limited by its nature to objective point of view, but two techniques alter that Is presented through actors, on a stage, & before an audience

Point of View A play is limited to an objective point of view, but two techniques exist to alter that: 1.A soliloquy 2. An aside

What is a Playwright? A playwright is _____________________. “Playwright” is Anglo-Saxon for a “workman” or “craftsman.”