Elements of Drama
Important Words to Keep in Mind Character – Drama – Props – Scenery Casts – Climax -
Elements of Drama Acts Units of action in a drama Divided into scenes Characterization Writer’s technique for creating believable characters Dramatic speech Advances the story’s action Dialogue – conversation between or among characters Monologue – long speech spoken by single character/tells private thoughts of character
Stage direction Sets of bracketed information that describe scenery and how the characters should move or speak Set Used for the construction on stage that suggests the time and place of action Props Small movable items that the actors use to make their actions look realistic
Types of Drama Comedy Features everyday characters in funny situations Can be written to entertain or point out faults in society Tragedy The events lead tot the downfall of the main character Main character can be an average person but is often a person of great significance, like a king or a heroic figure Drama Describes plays that address serious subjects Types: Screenplays (movies), teleplays (TV movies), radio plays
Reading a Play – Before Reading Set a Purpose Answer three questions to set your purpose: 1. What are the main characters like, and what’s the relationship among them? 2. What is the central conflict, and how is it resolved? 3. What is the theme of the play? Preview Checklist Title page, including the title and playwright Cast of characters General setting Number of pages, acts, and scenes Any background information, photographs, or illustrations
Reading Strategy Summarizing Helps you keep track of the main action and main ideas Plays usually have more than one setting Action usually shifts from scene to scene Magnet Summary Start by selecting a magnet word Magnet word can be word that is repeated Magnet word can be a feeling or idea that is repeated Connect details to that word Can be used to sum up a moment, scene, or entire play
During Reading Read with a Purpose Focus on questions What are the main characters like, and what’s their relationship among them? What is the central conflict, and how is it resolved? What is the theme of the play? Jot down ideas or quotes while reading Sketch pictures to help you remember parts
Remember important details Magnet Summary Summary Notes Character Map
Magnet Summary Diary of Anne Frank
Summary Notes Diary of Anne Frank
Character Map Diary of Anne Frank
Plot Diagrams Acts Scenes Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution
After Reading Pause and Reflect Ask yourself these questions: 1. Can I describe the main characters? 2. Can I explain the central conflict in the play and summarize the plot? 3. What is the main message, or theme, of the play? 4. Do parts of the play confuse or puzzle me? Reread If you are unable to answer any of those questions, you need to reread.
Focus on Theme Theme Message or idea that the playwright wants you to remember Some have one theme; others have many minor themes Three Step Plan for Understanding Theme 1. Find the “big ideas” or general topics 2. Find out what the characters do and say that relates to the general topic 3. Come up with a statement of the author’s point or message about the topic
Common Topics for Themes Childhood Courage Death Faith Family Freedom Friendship
Growing up Hate Hope Identity Independence Justice Love Loyalty Nature Patience Patriotism Prejudice Race relations Self-improvement Self-reliance Success Trust Truth Unhappiness Violence War
Focus on Language Study key lines and speeches in a play Consider how the stage directions contribute to a play Do not skip over Describe emotions, facial expressions, and other directions Helps the reader “see” the play Examine the dialogue to see the way it affects characters, plot, and theme Plays are based on dialogue (character’s words) not descriptive details like books, novels, or short stories