Plot is the sequence of events. Like the plot of a story, the plot of a play involves characters who face a problem or conflict. Climax point of highest tension; action determines how the conflict will be resolved Resolution (denouement) conflict is resolved; play ends Complications tension builds Exposition characters and conflict are introducedconflict Dramatic Structure

The Exposition is the introduction. It is the part of the work that introduces the characters, setting, and basic situation. Rising Action is the part of the plot that begins to occur as soon as the conflict is introduced. The rising action adds complications to the conflict and increases reader interest.

The Climax is the point of greatest emotional intensity, interest, or suspense in the plot. Denouement: the outcome, solution, unraveling, or clarification of a plot in a drama; final revelation or outcome.

Dramatic Structure Conflict is a struggle or clash between opposing characters or forces. A conflict may develop : between characters who want different things or the same thing.  between a character and his or her circumstances  within a character who is torn by competing desires

Drama Terminology Soliloquy: a long speech given by a character while alone on stage to reveal his or her private thoughts or intentions. (monologue) Aside: a character’s quiet remark to the audience or another character that no one else on stage is supposed to hear. A stage direction (often in brackets) indicates an aside

Aside Example Trebonius: Caesar, I will. [Aside] And so near will I be That your best friends shall wish I had been further. The audience is meant to hear the aside, but not Caesar.

Drama Terminology Irony: the contrast between appearance and reality. 1.Dramatic Irony: when the reader or audience knows something that one or more of the characters do not know. EX: In Romeo and Juliet when we know Juliet is married to Romeo, but her parents do not.

Drama Terminology 2.Verbal irony : when you say one thing and mean another (sarcasm is a type of verbal irony generally associated with a tone of voice) Example = When Ms. Blea says she’s happy to see your enthusiasm when you are yawning

Drama Terminology 3.Situational irony : When the unexpected happens Example – A fire station catches on fire

Drama Terminology Act – a major division of a play. Scene – a division of a play, usually part of an act, in which conventionally the action is continuous and in a single place. Apostrophe – the addressing of someone or something, usually not present, as though present (ex. Oh Captain, my Captain! Death be not proud) Catharsis meaning “purgation,” it describes the release of the emotions of pity and fear by the audience at the end of a tragedy.

Drama Terminology Character – a person or an animal or a thing that that takes part in the action of the play. Antagonist- is the person or thing working against the protagonist Protagonist – central character who engages the reader’s interest and empathy Foil – character in a work whose behavior and values contrast with those of another character in order to highlight the distinctive temperament of that character (usually the protagonist) Tragic hero – has the potential for greatness but is doomed to fail ; trapped in a situation that cannot be won; makes some sort of tragic flaw, this causes fall from greatness; still wins a moral victory and spirit lives on

Drama Terminology Characterization – creation of characters for a play or story Direct – telling the audience/reader exactly what you want them to know about the characters (Killer is a really mean guy.) Indirect – Showing the reader the character instead of telling the audience about the character

Drama Terminology Chorus – Plays of the ancient Greek theatre always included a chorus that offered a variety of background and summary information to help the audience follow the performance. They commented on themes and demonstrated how the audience might react to the drama. They may serve to foreshadow events to occur. Playsancient Greek theatre

Drama Terminology Dialogue – the conversation carried on by the characters in a literary work Epithet- a descriptive adjective or phrase used to characterize someone or something  Example-Alexander the Great

Drama Terminology Mood – the feeling a piece of literature arouses in the reader/audience; happiness, sadness, peacefulness. Motif – an often- repeated idea or theme in literature

Drama Terminology Satire – a literary work in which vices, follies, stupidities, abuses, etc. are held up to ridicule and contempt Flashback – going back to an earlier time in a story for the purpose of making something present clearer Foreshadowing – to be a sign of something to come ; indicate or suggest before hand

Drama Terminology Theme – the statement about life a particular work is trying to get across Tone – the overall feeling, or effect, created by a writer’s words. May be serious, mock-serious, humorous, or satirical.