Download Dramatic literature

Dramatic
literature
The elements of
drama
Dramatic Structure

A drama, or play is a
piece of literature meant
to be performed in front
of an audience. The
playwright intended it to
be presented with props,
movement, scenery,
lighting, costumes,
musical effects etc..


Like a novel it has a
beginning, middle, and
end.
The plot or story line
involves a conflict or
struggle.
Dialogue

The character’s conversation
Lady Teazle: Sir Peter, Sir peter you may bear it
or not as you please…
Sir Peter: Very well ma’am very well; …
Cast of Characters



All characters are listed
As we read or watch the play we learn about
each character’s background, motivation, and
individual personality
We observe how these characters relate and
interact with each other… which helps us to
infer more about them.
Relating to Dialogue





Soliloquy – A character’s inner reality and feelings are
revealed. We get to know about Juliet when she is on the
balcony pouring her heart out.. Not knowing that Romeo is
listening.
Monologue – When a character has a very long speech or line
An aside – when a character speaks, revealing information
that only the audience hears… not the other characters on
stage.
Dramatic irony – when the audience knows something
important that a character does not know.
Prologue – intro to play – R & J – chorus comes out and
addresses the audience and gives some information
(exposition: main characters setting, conflict)
Setting
Where a play or particular scene takes place.
 The date or time frame of a play or scene
(during Colonial times, in the future)
 Inferences can be made according to the
setting.

Plot

EXTERNAL CONFLICT

INTERNAL CONFLICT

The main character or
protagonist and
another character in the
play
An external impersonal
force – a war or the
actions of an unfeeling
corporation

Forces inside the
character pitting the
hero’s sense of honor
against his or her need
to survive.
Fear
Self-doubt
loneliness




Theme

The main idea that threads throughout the play.

Romeo and Juliet has several themes. For
example..
“forbidden love.”
“Senseless hate creates violence and
unnecessary destruction.”


Making Inferences




When the play is performed , the audience must infer
many of the elements that they are being exposed to.
You infer from the scenery and staging that the
setting is a fancy ballroom, not a plain living room.
You infer from words and actions the relationships
between characters whether they are enemies,
acquaintances or close friends.
You find out what you know about these characters
and their motivations from their own words or from
what other characters say about them.
Special Effects






Lighting
Snow
Peter Pan flying
Dry ice (fog the appearance of a ghost)
Trap doors
Sounds –




Music
Phones
Doorbells
Background traffic
Stage Directions






Help the reader (and audience) make inferences about what is happening.
Establish the blocking (movement of the characters)
Reveal props used
Setting
Character information (tone emotion state of mind)
Special effects occurring – big clues to help us make inferences (the
playing of the Varsouvianna signals that Blanche is thinking of the night
her husband died)





Shadows
Flashbacks
Echoes
Music
Change in lighting
Setting of The Crucible
1692 Salem Massachusetts
We can infer..
*Colonial America
*history of witchcraft trials
*no electricity or amenities
*British rule and laws
