Dramatic literature The elements of drama

Dramatic Structure A drama, or play is a piece of literature meant to be performed in front of an audience. The playwright intended it to be presented with props, movement, scenery, lighting, costumes, musical effects etc.. A drama, or play is a piece of literature meant to be performed in front of an audience. The playwright intended it to be presented with props, movement, scenery, lighting, costumes, musical effects etc.. Like a novel it has a beginning, middle, and end. Like a novel it has a beginning, middle, and end. The plot or story line involves a conflict or struggle. The plot or story line involves a conflict or struggle.

Dialogue The character’s conversation The character’s conversation Lady Teazle: Sir Peter, Sir peter you may bear it or not as you please… Sir Peter: Very well ma’am very well; …

Cast of Characters All characters are listed All characters are listed As we read or watch the play we learn about each character’s background, motivation, and individual personality As we read or watch the play we learn about each character’s background, motivation, and individual personality We observe how these characters relate and interact with each other… which helps us to infer more about them. We observe how these characters relate and interact with each other… which helps us to infer more about them.

Relating to Dialogue Soliloquy – A character’s inner reality and feelings are revealed. We get to know about Juliet when she is on the balcony pouring her heart out.. Not knowing that Romeo is listening. Soliloquy – A character’s inner reality and feelings are revealed. We get to know about Juliet when she is on the balcony pouring her heart out.. Not knowing that Romeo is listening. Monologue – When a character has a very long speech or line Monologue – When a character has a very long speech or line An aside – when a character speaks, revealing information that only the audience hears… not the other characters on stage. An aside – when a character speaks, revealing information that only the audience hears… not the other characters on stage. Dramatic irony – when the audience knows something important that a character does not know. Dramatic irony – when the audience knows something important that a character does not know. Prologue – intro to play – R & J – chorus comes out and addresses the audience and gives some information (exposition: main characters setting, conflict) Prologue – intro to play – R & J – chorus comes out and addresses the audience and gives some information (exposition: main characters setting, conflict)

Setting Where a play or particular scene takes place. Where a play or particular scene takes place. The date or time frame of a play or scene The date or time frame of a play or scene (during Colonial times, in the future) Inferences can be made according to the setting. Inferences can be made according to the setting.

Plot EXTERNAL CONFLICT EXTERNAL CONFLICT The main character or protagonist and another character in the play The main character or protagonist and another character in the play An external impersonal force – a war or the actions of an unfeeling corporation An external impersonal force – a war or the actions of an unfeeling corporation INTERNAL CONFLICT INTERNAL CONFLICT Forces inside the character pitting the hero’s sense of honor against his or her need to survive. Forces inside the character pitting the hero’s sense of honor against his or her need to survive. Fear Fear Self-doubt Self-doubt loneliness loneliness

Theme The main idea that threads throughout the play. The main idea that threads throughout the play. Romeo and Juliet has several themes. For example.. Romeo and Juliet has several themes. For example.. “forbidden love.” “forbidden love.” “Senseless hate creates violence and unnecessary destruction.” “Senseless hate creates violence and unnecessary destruction.”

Making Inferences When the play is performed, the audience must infer many of the elements that they are being exposed to. When the play is performed, the audience must infer many of the elements that they are being exposed to. You infer from the scenery and staging that the setting is a fancy ballroom, not a plain living room. You infer from the scenery and staging that the setting is a fancy ballroom, not a plain living room. You infer from words and actions the relationships between characters whether they are enemies, acquaintances or close friends. You infer from words and actions the relationships between characters whether they are enemies, acquaintances or close friends. You find out what you know about these characters and their motivations from their own words or from what other characters say about them. You find out what you know about these characters and their motivations from their own words or from what other characters say about them.

Special Effects Lighting Lighting Snow Snow Peter Pan flying Peter Pan flying Dry ice (fog the appearance of a ghost) Dry ice (fog the appearance of a ghost) Trap doors Trap doors Sounds – Sounds – Music Music Phones Phones Doorbells Doorbells Background traffic Background traffic

Stage Directions Help the reader (and audience) make inferences about what is happening. Help the reader (and audience) make inferences about what is happening. Establish the blocking (movement of the characters) Establish the blocking (movement of the characters) Reveal props used Reveal props used Setting Setting Character information (tone emotion state of mind) Character information (tone emotion state of mind) Special effects occurring – big clues to help us make inferences (the playing of the Varsouvianna signals that Blanche is thinking of the night her husband died) Special effects occurring – big clues to help us make inferences (the playing of the Varsouvianna signals that Blanche is thinking of the night her husband died) Shadows Shadows Flashbacks Flashbacks Echoes Echoes Music Music Change in lighting Change in lighting

Setting of The Crucible 1692 Salem Massachusetts 1692 Salem Massachusetts We can infer.. *Colonial America *history of witchcraft trials *no electricity or amenities *British rule and laws