Elements of Drama Overview

• Drama


  A form of literature acted out before an audience.
• Plot


  Series of events in a play; the story line.
• Characters


  Individuals in a play; may be flat or round.
• Theme


  The message the author wants the audience to understand.
• Style


  The way an author uses language in a play.
• Setting


  When and where the play takes place.
• Structure


  Pattern of action in the plot.
• Exposition


  Introduces theme and chief characters in a play.
• Conflict


  The struggle in the plot of a story.
• Climax


  Point of highest interest or intensity.
• Resolution


  Final outcome or resolution of a story.
• Flat Character


  One-dimensional character with one primary trait.
• Round Character


  Fully developed character with several attributes.
• Dialogue


  Lines spoken by characters in a drama.
• Stage Directions


  Written instructions suggesting movements to actors.
• Inciting Incident


  Event that sets the plot in motion.
• Foreshadowing


  Hinting at future events in a story.
• Dénouement


  Final outcome or resolution of a story.
• Props


  Articles used in a play, excluding costumes or scenery.
• House


  Theater or the audience of a theater.
• Cast


  Actors selected for a play.
• Cue


  Word or action signaling an actor to begin.
• Complication


  Part of the story where additional problems occur.