1. Readers Handbook Pages 502-511
Elements of Drama
Readers Handbook
Pages

2. An act is a group of two or more scenes that form a major division of a play.
A scene is one part of the action, usually happening in a particular time and place.
A new scene usually begins whenever the setting changes.
Acts and Scenes

3. A cast of characters is a list that describes who’s in the play and often how they are related to one another.
Characters have external characteristics and/or internal characteristics.
Cast of characters

4. Dialogue Dialogue is the conversation between characters in a play.
A play’s script contains the mainly the dialogue of the play.
Dialogue

5. A monologue, or soliloquy, is a speech by one character who is alone on the stage.
Speeches that are often important and dramatic.
Monologue

6. Plot = action, main events in a drama
Plot diagram
Exposition
Characters, setting, and conflict are introduced
Rising action
Conflict and suspense builds
Climax
Conflict reaches peak or turning point
Falling action
Suspense lessens
Resolution
Outcome of story is decided
Plot = action, main events in a drama

7. Five types of conflict Person vs. person Person vs., society
Person vs. nature
Person vs. self
Person vs. fate
Five types of conflict

8. Setting Setting is where and when the play takes place.
In a play, the setting is usually described in the stage directions or note at the beginning of each scene.
Setting

9. Stage directions describe details of the setting and sound effects as well as direct characters how to speak their lines, move, act and look.
They are usually in parenthesis or in italics.
Stage directions help the reader visualize the scene.
Stage directions

10. Theme is the central idea or universal message the author wants you to come away with after reading.
Look for the general topic or “big idea”.
Then, look for what the characters say and do relating to the topic.
Come up with a statement that explains the author’s point or lesson about the topic.
Theme