English 9 / Unit 5: Drama and Shakespeare
5.1 Elements of Drama
Notes
A drama (play) is a story written to be performed by actors.
- Playwright: the author. Script: the written text.
- Acts are major sections; scenes are smaller units within acts.
- Dialogue: the lines characters speak. Most of a play's story is told through dialogue.
- Stage directions: italic or bracketed notes on setting, movement, tone and sound, e.g. [She slams the door.]
- Cast of characters (dramatis personae): list of characters at the start.
- Props are objects used on stage; set is the scenery.
- Example: [Lights dim. RAY enters, limping.] RAY: Has anyone seen my crutch?
Practice
In a script, "[JADE crosses to the window and peers out nervously]" is an example of:
Bracketed notes on movement and manner are stage directions.
Which statement best explains why dialogue is so important in drama?
Without a narrator, dialogue carries the story.
A play's largest divisions are called:
Acts are divided into scenes.
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