1. Drama Terms
Romeo & Juliet

2. Dialogue
Conversations among and between the characters

3. Stage Directions
Convey information to the cast, crew, and readers about sound effects, actions, sets, and line readings
Example: “What, drawn, and talk of peace? I hate the word As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee. Have at thee, coward!”
[They fight.]
[Enter old Capulet in his gown, and his wife.]

4. Characters
Dramatic characters are brought to life by their dialogue and actions onstage
Round characters
Flat characters
Dramatic foils

5. Round character
Has many personality traits, like a real person; very dynamic

6. Flat character
One-dimensional, embodying only a single trait; often provide comic relief

7. Dramatic foil
Character who highlights the traits of another character through contrast

8. Plot
Sequence in which events unfold, develop to a climax, and are resolved

9. Theme
Central message the playwright seeks to convey to the audience

10. Staging
Sets, lighting, sound effects, costumes, and the way the actors move and deliver their lines

11. Act Plays are split up into acts (instead of chapters)
Romeo & Juliet has five acts
Acts are designated by Roman numerals (Act I, Act II, Act III, Act IV, Act V)

12. Scene Each act consists of smaller scenes
Scenes are designated by lower case Roman numerals (scene i, scene ii, scene iii, scene iv, scene v)

13. How to find your place in a play
Act, scene, line #
Mercutio says “That dreamers often lie” in Act I, Scene iv, line 52.