1. The Elements of Drama

2. Introduction to Drama What is DRAMA?
A drama or play is a form of literature that is performed for an audience either on stage or before a camera

3. The Elements of Drama
Drama, like fiction, tells a story with characters, setting, and plot
Drama is meant to be performed for an audience and is written in the form of a script

4. Understanding the Elements
Cast of Characters
A script usually begins with a list of characters
List includes a short description of each character

5. Understanding the Elements
Dialogue
DIALOGUE = conversation between characters
Plot and characterization is revealed through dialogue
Dialogue appears in lines next to the characters’ names

6. Understanding the Elements
Stage Directions
Instructions for the performer, director, and stage crew
Printed in italics and enclosed in (parentheses)
Describe scenery, props, movement and speech

7. Understanding the Elements
Acts and Scenes
The action of a play is divided into scenes
A scene changes when the setting, time, place, or both changes.
Sometimes scenes are grouped into acts.