Drama Elements

• Drama


  A form of literature written to be performed by actors.
• Dialogue and action


  What drama use to convey a story
• Tragedy and comedy


  Two main types of drama
• Elements of drama

  1. Plot
  2. Characters
  3. Dialogue
  4. Theme
  5. Setting
  6. Stage directions
• Plot


  The storyline/sequence of events
• Characters


  The people or beings involved
• Dialogue 


  Spoken words between characters
• Setting


  The time and place where the action occursThe time and place where the action occurs
• Theme


  The central message or underlying meaning
• Stage directions


  Instructions for actors and directors
• In reading a drama, pay attention to;

  • dialogue - how characters communicate
  • stage directions - visualize the scene
  • focus on character motivations and conflicts.
  • consider the themes the playwright explores
• In a drama, look for;

  • character development - how do they grow or change?
  • conflict: what is the central struggle
• Symbolism


  Are there deeper meanings in objects or actions?
• Tone and Mood


  How does the play make you feel?
• Where to begin with writing drama

  1. Concept: start with a compelling story idea
  2. Characters: Develop complex, relatable characters
  3. Conflict: establish a clear conflict or problem
  4. Dialogue: write conversations that reveal personality and drive the story forward
• Stages of writing a drama

  1. Brainstorming - Generate ideas for the story
  2. Outlining - Plan out the plot and structure
  3. Drafting - Write the script with dialogue and stage directions
  4. Revising - edit for clarity, pacing, and depth
  5. Finalizing - ensure all elements of the play fit together cohesively