The Elements of Drama

1. The Elements of Drama 7th Grade Language Arts

2. Essential Question • How does drama provide the reader a different experience than prose (short stories, novels) or poetry? • How is drama different from television?

3. Drama • Comes from the Greek Word, “Dran” • Means “To do” or “To Act” • The Doing/Acting Makes Drama

4. Drama… • …is a story told in front of an audience

5. Elements of Drama • Playwright-the author of a play • Actors-the people who perform • Acts-the units of action • Scenes-parts of the acts

6. Dramatic Speech • Dialogue-conversation between or among characters • Monologue-long speech by one single character (private thoughts)

7. Conflict • The internal or external struggle between opposing forces, ideas, or interests that create dramatic tension.

8. Stage Directions • Found in brackets [ ] • Describe scenery and how characters speak • C, Center Stage • L, Stage Left • R, Stage Right • U, Upstage or Rear • D, Downstage or Front

9. Theatre • Where a play takes place

10. Set • Construction on the stage that shows time/place • Could be called Scenery

11. Props • Small movable items that the actors use to make actions look real

12. Characterization • Is the playwright’s technique for creating believable characters. • Indirect • Direct

13. Types of Drama • Drama is used to describe plays that address a serious subject.

14. Types of Drama • Comedy is a form of drama that has a happy ending. Humor comes from the dialogue and situations.

15. Types of Drama • Tragedy is a form of drama in which events lead to the downfall of the main character, often a person of great significance, like a king or hero.