Drama! Mrs. Turner Literature 7

Some important terms…Yes, you need to take notes! Drama is literature that is meant to be performed. Drama is literature that is meant to be performed.

Plays are an example of drama. Plays are meant to be performed on a stage. Plays are an example of drama. Plays are meant to be performed on a stage. Dramas are often broken into scenes and acts. An act will have several scenes in it. Dramas are often broken into scenes and acts. An act will have several scenes in it.

Dialogue is a conversation between two or more characters. Dialogue is a conversation between two or more characters.

Monologue is a long, uninterrupted speech. Only one person participates in this conversation. Monologue is a long, uninterrupted speech. Only one person participates in this conversation.

Props are items that enhance the story line and make the play more realistic. Props are items that enhance the story line and make the play more realistic. Set Props: props that add to the scenery in the play (furniture, plants, etc.) Set Props: props that add to the scenery in the play (furniture, plants, etc.) Hand Props: props that are handled by the cast (food, sheets of paper, etc.) Hand Props: props that are handled by the cast (food, sheets of paper, etc.)

Stage Directions are the playwright’s notes to the actors, directors and readers. These directions reveal information about: Stage Directions are the playwright’s notes to the actors, directors and readers. These directions reveal information about: The set The set The actor’s movements The actor’s movements The character’s emotions The character’s emotions

Characterization is a playwright’s technique for creating good, life-like characters. Characterization is a playwright’s technique for creating good, life-like characters.

Types of Characters A static character is one that changes very little from the beginning of the storyline until the ending. A static character is one that changes very little from the beginning of the storyline until the ending. A dynamic character is a character that goes through a significant amount of changes during the storyline. A dynamic character is a character that goes through a significant amount of changes during the storyline. A dynamic

Types of Character Conflicts Internal Conflict is a struggle that occurs within a character. Internal Conflict is a struggle that occurs within a character. External Conflict is a struggle with another character, idea, etc. External Conflict is a struggle with another character, idea, etc.

Theme is the central message/life lesson the playwright shares with the audience. Theme is the central message/life lesson the playwright shares with the audience.

A teleplay or screenplay is drama that is written for film or television rather than a theatre stage. A teleplay or screenplay is drama that is written for film or television rather than a theatre stage.

A cast list is a list of the characters in a play/screenplay. A cast list is a list of the characters in a play/screenplay.

Some of the famous playwrights we will study are: Some of the famous playwrights we will study are: Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth) Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth)

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes, The Dying Detective) Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes, The Dying Detective)

Rod Sterling (The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street) Rod Sterling (The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street)

We will begin by doing a vocabulary exercise for Rod Sterling’s We will begin by doing a vocabulary exercise for Rod Sterling’s “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street”. Open your textbook to page 58. Open your textbook to page 58.