types of drama presentation

The Elements of Drama

The Crucible

by Arthur Miller

Essential Question

• How does drama provide the reader a different experience than prose (short stories, novels) or poetry?
• How is drama different from television?
• Comes from the Greek Word, “ Dran ” ----- which means “ To do ” or “ To Act ”

Drama is written to be performed

for an audience.

Elements of �Drama

• Playwright -the author of a play
• Cast of characters- list of characters in the play
• Protagonist - central character of the play
• Antagonist - character who opposes the main character
• Foil - minor character whose traits contrast with the main character
• Acts -the units of action
• Scenes -parts of the acts

Dramatic Speech

• Dialogue- conversation between or among characters
• Monologue -long speech by one single character
• Soliloquy - monologue in which character speaks her private thoughts aloud and appears to be unaware of the audience.
• Scenery on the stage that shows time/place

true to time

Stage Directions

• Found in brackets [ ]
• Describe scenery and how characters speak and how they feel
• Conveys information to the cast, crew, and readers.

Types of Drama

1. Drama - is used to describe plays that address a serious subject.

Types of Drama Continued…..

2. Comedy is a form of drama that has a happy ending. Humor comes from the dialogue and situations.

Types of Drama Continued

3. A 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.

• The internal or external struggle between opposing forces, ideas, or interests that create dramatic tension.
• Where a play takes place
• Small movable items that the actors use to make actions look realistic
• Must stay true to time period

Characterization

• Is the playwright’s technique for creating believable characters.

The Drama Teacher

Your Go-To Resource for Drama Education

30 Powerful Elements of Drama

The elements of drama began with Greek philosopher Aristotle who stated in The Poetics, written circa 335 BCE, each dramatic performance must contain the six key elements of plot, character, thought, otherwise known as theme, diction, today referred to as language, melody, or music-dance, song, or rhythm, plus spectacle. This is history’s first surviving example of dramatic theory.

In contemporary drama education , there is no prescribed or definitive list of the elements of drama. Below is a list of 30 of the most common elements of drama with my own descriptors, gained from 35 years of teaching practice in drama education. Where similar terms mean the same, I have included both terms. I trust this post may prove useful for both drama and theatre arts teachers and their students alike.

30 Elements of Drama

Action, or dramatic action, refers to the propelling of the plot from one moment to the next in the drama. This will naturally relate to the structure of the play, as the action moves forward from the exposition to the inciting incident, rising action, one or more crises, the climax, falling action, and then the conclusion. See the “Structure” entry further down this list for more information on how plays are formed…

2. Audience

Of all the essential elements of drama, the audience must exist for it to be considered a performance – a play without an audience should be considered a rehearsal.

An audience can specifically refer to the engagement actors have with their audience through performance, known as the actor-audience relationship. The exact nature of this relationship can vary depending on the style of the performance.

For example, a performer in a purely naturalistic drama may ignore the audience altogether. They may even have their back facing the audience. While a performer in a realistic drama may be aware of the presence of an audience but not perform directly to them. Conversely, a performer in an epic theatre play may regularly break the fourth wall and interact directly with sections of the audience. Manipulating exactly how a performer relates and engages with the audience in a performance can be both an academic exercise and fun at the same time.

Most dramas will have one or more crises in the development of the plot. A crisis is a key moment of dramatic tension and conflict in the play, usually occurring between two or more characters and having serious implications for the outcome of the plot. The ultimate crisis, or highest peak, is usually called the climax and often (but not always) occurs toward the end of a play. There can also be more than one climax in a drama, although this is uncommon. An anti-climax is also possible.

4. Conflict

Conflict is one of the key elements of drama. Playwright George Bernard Shaw once said ‘No conflict, no drama’. How right he was! A drama that lacks conflict is normally dull and uninspiring. As a rule, conflict should always be considered an essential ingredient for all dramatic performances.

Conflict can be between two or more characters, or simply one, known as inner conflict. Many Elizabethan soliloquies contain inner conflict. ‘To be or not to be’ is an excellent example. Conflict on stage can be verbal, physical, or non-verbal. Conflict differs from tension in that it is often a fixed and permanent part of the structure of a play embedded in the fabric of the drama, often from the outset, with characters destined to clash with one another.

5. Contrast

Without the careful use of contrast, performances are boring and lack tension. In simple terms, contrast is a point of difference. An obvious example of contrast is a sad scene followed by a happy scene. But contrast can be created in more subtle and sophisticated ways, such as manipulating the drama to create a change in setting, pace, or time.

The contrast between characters should also be considered. Contrast can be created by changes in language, timing, mood, lighting, energy, relationships, situation, and more. Careful use of contrast as one of the elements of drama in performance can keep an audience actively engaged, throughout.

6. Convention

A convention is an acting or staging technique. Examples of conventions include the use of a narrator, an aside, a soliloquy, a direct address, the use of placards, songs, etc. Conventions are often associated with performance styles, which in turn are commonly associated with one or more theatre practitioners. Sometimes conventions are linked more generally with the way theatre was performed in a certain era, for example, the conventions of absurdism or Elizabethan theatre .

7. Dramatic Moment

A moment, or dramatic moment, is self-explanatory. It is a specific moment in the play, usually lasting only a short time, where the action is dramatic in some way. But being dramatic does not always mean loud noises and lots of moving characters. A dramatic moment can be a poignant moment of stillness or silence. Dramatic moments can also occur with only a single actor and even without sets and props, such is the power of drama. The tempo and rhythm of a play often change when a dramatic moment occurs. Tension is often manipulated when creating dramatic moments and the element of contrast is commonly employed.

Energy is the intensity of a character’s actions in the drama. Many plays contrast one or more high-energy characters with low-energy characters. Energy, therefore, refers to both vivacious and vibrant characters as well as slow, dispirited, or tired characters. Before a character can be portrayed with a certain type of energy, the performer must possess this energy. In general terms, energy can also refer to the intensity of specific performances or the type of show being performed, for example musical theatre.

9. Focus / Emphasis

Focus has multiple meanings in drama and performance. While it can often be used interchangeably with the term concentration, as an element of drama, focus is more often associated with emphasis. Unlike in movies or television, where the filmmaker can zoom into the actor or area in question, in the theatre, we need to employ other techniques to attract the focus of the audience.

How do we channel the attention of the audience to a certain area of the stage in order to give this particular space appropriate emphasis? How do we focus the lens of the spectator on the small bird in the hand of the actor downstage left? What directorial techniques can we employ to place focus on the two pirates sneaking onto the ship upstage? How can we use theatrical lighting to ensure emphasis is placed on the character who is singing? These are all challenges associated with focus and emphasis in performances.

10. Language / Text

The use of language in performance can be verbal, vocal, or non-verbal. Language is normally spoken text. It is the written script realised in performance. While normally spoken by the actor, language can also be chanted or sung. Language can also deliberately be nonsensical for dramatic effect.

The choice of language as one of the elements of drama is crucial, as it forms a major means of communicating the story of the drama to the audience. Exactly how the actor in a performance chooses to use language is usually determined by the expressive skill of voice. However, language can also be non-verbal, commonly referred to as body language. The elements of voice and language should not be confused. Using the voice is the process of speaking the verbal language.

11. Dramatic Metaphor

Metaphor in drama involves a second reference in order to enhance the meaning of the first. For example “The man is a goose”. The description of the qualities of the first reference of the man is enhanced by knowledge of the second reference, the fact that a goose is considered a silly waterfowl by its looks, big feet, and awkward behaviour.

A literary example of metaphor can be found in Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible , set in the Salem witch trials of 1692-93, but actually about the spread of Communism in 1950s America, which was the time and place of the play’s composition.

Bertolt Brecht employed a similar dramatic metaphor in his work The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui , a play set in 1930s gangster-ridden Chicago that was really about Hitler’s Germany. George Orwell’s Animal Farm was not about animals at all, but Russia and the Soviet Union under Communist Party rule.

Dramatic metaphors, however, should not be confused with the use of symbols . When an object is used as a symbol, it is replaced by the symbolic meaning – for example, the red rose is now replaced by the feeling of love. However, with dramatic metaphor, the second reference enhances this meaning without replacing it.

12. Mood / Atmosphere

The mood is the feeling or tone of a performance and is naturally associated with the atmosphere. It refers to ambiance or aura and is often created through a combination of several elements of drama and production areas working in harmony. The atmosphere of performances are closely linked with everyday feelings such as fear or desire.

The mood in drama can be created via sound , lighting , movement, props , setting, rhythm, contrast, conflict, and more. It is also possible to create a particular mood or atmosphere in just one moment or scene in a play. Therefore you can have more than one mood presented in a single performance.

13. Movement

Movement is the self-explanatory act of a performer moving in the drama according to the character’s objective, motivation, surrounding circumstances, and interaction with other characters. The physical action of movement often defines character relationships and situations. Certain types of movement can involve walking, running, sliding, falling, etc, stage space needs to be used, including upstage, downstage, stage left, stage right, etc.

14. Plot / Story

The plot is the action of the drama. Many plays have more than one plot, often consisting of the main plot and one or more (less important) plots known as subplots. Shakespeare’s dramas are classic examples of plays with multiple plots keeping the audience engaged at every turn.

The “story” of a drama is usually considered any action referred or implied to on stage, but not seen. This is often the backstory of various characters revealed in the drama’s exposition. The story differs from the plot of the drama in that the plot must be seen by the audience.

15. Posture

Posture is the position in which a character holds their body when standing or sitting. Posture can define a character’s attitude, social status, inner feelings, rank, and more. Posture is similar to a character’s pose or stance.

16. Relationships

Relationships are also sometimes considered one of the elements of drama. This refers to the interrelationships between characters in a play. Character connections affect the way the plot evolves. These relationships may be friendly, conflicting, romantic, of equal status, or otherwise. Some relationships in a drama may be fixed, while others may be variable and subject to change as the plot evolves.

Rhythm is more commonly a musical term. In drama, rhythm refers to timing and pace. It also means the beat or tempo of the whole performance. As a rule, rhythm should never be the same throughout the drama, regardless of its length. Rhythm can follow the emotional state of one or more characters or the atmosphere of the play at particular moments.

Rhythm is closely linked to movement. An everyday ritual presented on stage, such as getting ready for work in the morning, can involve repetitive and rhythmic actions and gestures. What is the rhythm of the long line of people in the unemployment queue? What is the rhythm of the classroom scene where students are misbehaving with the substitute teacher? How does the rhythm contrast in these two examples?

Rhythm can also have a place in the delivery of dialogue. The most obvious example is the text of Shakespearean dramas delivered using iambic pentameter. But all character dialogue, no matter how informal, should have a particular rhythm attached to it.

18. Role / Character

Role and character lie at the heart of all drama because, without these elements, the drama would not exist. Role and character are often used interchangeably to mean the same, while sometimes these terms are separated. The role is normally associated with role-playing in drama, which can occur at any level. Taking on a role often occurs as part of the process of drama and not always the product or performance. However, it is also entirely acceptable to ask an actor what his or her role is in the play.

Role-playing is popular in drama improvisation games and often involves quick transitions into roles with little or no preparation, sometimes involving a stimulus. While adopting a role is critical in understanding the essence of drama, it is often considered less complex than portraying a character. Characters often have sophisticated backstories and undergo changes during the development of the plot. Portraying a character involves the application of expressive and performance skills. In professional theatre, there are numerous acting methods for developing and sustaining character.

19. Setting / Place

Setting refers to the location of a scene, play, or musical. It is one of the fundamental elements of drama. Many dramas have more than one setting. Productions with physical sets normally have clearly defined settings, but smaller dramas and monodramas may have little or no sets or props to help identify locations. In these examples, the performer will use dialogue and other expressive skills in order to denote a setting, including any changes. This is known as an implied place or setting.

20. Situation

The situation in drama refers to the given circumstances of the dramatic action happening in the play. This is a straightforward concept. What is the setting of the play? What are the circumstances of the given scene, such as an argument, marriage proposal, a betrayal of friendship, medical emergency, school assembly, election campaign? Clearly conveying the situation in the play at any particular time makes the drama coherent for the audience.

21. Sound / Music

Contemporary theatre relies on sound and music in a number of ways. While theatre has traditionally used lighting to create an atmosphere in performance, sound and music is being increasingly manipulated to create mood . The use of sound can involve the implementation of technology, such as sound effects and soundscapes. Actors and their bodies can also construct effective sound in performance. Small props can create sound effects that can be used live during a show. Sound in drama can even involve the absence of sound!

Space is one of the critical elements of drama, referring to the effective use of available space in performance. Space can be both horizontal and vertical. Performers can be upstage or downstage, stage left or stage right. Different levels of space can also be utilised such as sitting, bending over, lying down, crawling, or physically using another level of a stage set.  In order to use space effectively, movement becomes an important factor.

Effective use of space also involves clearly communicating to the audience where the action is taking place. This may include any changes in location that occur in the performance, particularly if little or no sets or props are being used and there is a heavy reliance on the audience’s imagination – otherwise known as implied space in the drama. Sometimes theatre buildings or specific productions can be created using a particular space such as traverse staging, proscenium arch, thrust staging, or arena/in the round.

23. Spectacle

Historically, the spectacle was one of the obligatory elements of drama outlined by the Greek philosopher Aristotle in The Poetics . Aristotle referred to spectacle elements as costumes, scenery, actor gestures, and the sensory effects of the resonance of the performer’s voice, or sound.

In a contemporary context, spectacle refers to all the visual elements of a play – those incorporating theatre stagecraft and production areas. These can include stage sets, lighting, costumes, props, make-up, special effects, and multimedia. Spectacle in contemporary theatre is probably more important today than it was centuries ago due to the advent of technology and its integration into all levels of the theatre.

24. Structure

Structure, or dramatic structure, refers to the backbone of a drama. A typical structure of a play involves the exposition and initial action at the beginning, an inciting incident where the conflict and point of attack within the play are revealed, rising action involving conflict and one or more crises, and the ultimate crisis known as the climax, then the falling action towards the latter part of the drama leading to the conclusion, which is not always a happy resolution. The French word denouement is often used to define a play’s ending. Translated into English, denouement means the untying or unravelling of the knot, in other words, the untying of all the complexities of the plot into a suitable conclusion.

Non-typical structures involve cyclical plots that end where they began, evident in some absurdist plays. The simple fact that Shakespeare and his contemporaries always wrote plays in a five-act format is also an example of structure. In later years, a three-act format was common, further reduced to two acts. Today, short one-act plays consisting of numerous brief scenes are a common dramatic structure in contemporary theatre.

The symbol is one of the principal elements of drama. The use of symbols in dramatic performance can be one of the simplest and also most complicated of all techniques. Symbolism implies a greater meaning than the literal suggestion. Props are the easiest to work with because objects in everyday life often become symbols in society. Symbols can also be found in the use of colour. We often symbolise purple with royalty, red with anger or desire, black with evil and darkness, or white with purity and innocence.

Colour association can be worthwhile symbols with costumes, sets, and props. But the most sophisticated use of symbols occurs with the application of gesture and movement. A particular gesture performed by a character early in performance can be repeated in another context and have a very different meaning. Used only once, a gesture can also be a powerful symbol. All of these examples can be combined for an even better effect.

26. Tension

Tension is sometimes referred to as dramatic tension and usually lies with the development of suspense. As the audience anticipates certain outcomes in the plot, the tension builds. Tension differs from conflict in that it is usually a transient occurrence that may take place multiple times in a single play. An obvious example of rising tension occurs in a mystery play or whodunit. In these instances, the audience is left in a constant state of suspense trying to determine the real culprit. The development of tension therefore usually parallels the advancement of the plot, leading to a crisis or climax . Tension is closely linked with the element of timing.

Theme refers to what a play is about, often the central idea, while what specifically happens on stage is the plot. Through the dramatic action of the plot, the deeper meaning of the play is revealed. A single play can consist of multiple themes. Extracting a theme from a play involves viewing it with a wider lens and seeing the bigger picture. Is the play about a group of friends from different cultures really about racism? Examples of themes in plays are power, revenge, mateship, love, greed, nature, good versus evil, coming of age, family, isolation, redemption, injustice, etc.

The notion of time is one of the indispensable elements of drama in most performances. In period drama, time can be as broad as a particular era, such as the 1880s. Other dramas loosely convey a modern or contemporary portrayal of time. Some plays contain a specific time that must be conveyed to the audience. These may involve the season of the year, month, day, or even hour. More generic use of time involves the use of the future, although this can also be specific by stating the actual year.

Time can also refer to how long the drama takes to perform. This can be of particular importance in naturalistic dramas where the length of stage time in a play may equal real-time in the theatre. Flash forwards, flashbacks, and other disjointed time sequences in a drama can also refer to changes in time. Alternatively, plays can deliberately appear timeless within the world of the play. Some absurdist dramas deliberately follow this structure.

Timing in performance refers to the dramatic timing of movements and gestures. We often take our movements for granted in everyday life, but when performing, the use of our bodies must be carefully considered and controlled. Timing can be manipulated to demonstrate authentic, stylised, or non-realistic movements and gestures. The timing of movements of a tired old man will differ from those of an energetic young schoolboy. Similarly, the gestures of a tyrannical dictator will differ from the suppressed people living under his regime. Rhythm, pace, and movement are particularly affected by timing in drama.

As one of the elements of drama , voice is critical to most performances. A drama without the use of voice is considered a movement piece or a mime. While some would place the voice in the category of a performer’s expressive skills, it is nevertheless an element essential to nearly every drama. Vocal variety can be achieved via the use of projection, pitch, tone, rate, emphasis, diction, rhythm, pause, intonation,  tempo, subtext, and even silence.

My teacher is having me write the definitions for each element of drama, so I came here to look for the definitions. There are 30 of them , and not one of them is what she gave me. I’ve also searched on multiple other sites and found only three of them. What do I do?😭

Post here in the comments the elements of drama you need definitions for, Bela, and I’ll see if I can help you out 🙂 – Justin

I love this so much you have just made my assignment so easy thank you so much

That’s great to hear, Kenny! Thanks for the feedback – Justin

i like it very much thank you for your help and God will grant your prayers

This is really helpful as I design my school’s drama curriculum from K-Gr 6. Thank you!

My pleasure, Alexandria! I’ll be popping up more K-6 Drama resources in the coming weeks and months, tagged “Primary Drama”. Thanks for your feedback – Justin

[…] the action of the play takes place in a single location over the time frame of a single day  […]

[…] movement grew out of the early twentieth century. A play was characterized by a lot of over-the-top theatrical elements and scenery. Tennessee Williams created his own unique style of theatre with this type of work, […]

So educative. I am a drama teacher and I learned a lot from this post. I’m in my second year of teaching drama. I’m self teaching. I didn’t have much training on the subject. Thank you so much, I learned a lot.

[…] http://www.thedramateacher.com/dramatic-elements/ […]

Justin, what a wonderful resource this is. Thank you for your passion, knowledge, clarity, and generous sharing. Much gratitude and praise from a NZ teacher

Colleen, thank you so much! That’s lovely feedback. Appreciate it. – Justin

the above content is so helpful

Thanks for the feedback, NDIKUBWIMANA Jacques!

Thank you so much Drama Teacher. You are so special, this is quality teaching.

[…] https://thedramateacher.com/dramatic-elements/ […]

I found it useful. I could learn something new.Thanks.

Hey do you know dramatic elements of festivals. Thanks

I wasn’t aware there was such a thing, Asoka. -Justin

this was a great help. a i used it for my drama assessment so it was good that i had a source that was quick and easy to understand! thanks 🙂 😛

DRAMA IS IN THE FILMS, BUT DOES DRAMA GET HELP FROM FILMS , ANYWAY , THE QUESTION IS BECAUSE DRAMA IS RELATIVELY TUFF………

This helped a lot and I am really grateful for someone doing this. I ended up getting an A and this really helped with that.

Thanks a lot , really helped for my research , very helpful ????

Glad to hear it, Hayden! – Justin

It helps me… but theres one thing that u dont answer the… spectacle…

This is a great resource for teaching /learning of drama.Thanks.

This is helping me with my exams, thank you!

Excellent! Thanks for your feedback, Liam.

ROLES AND RELATIONSHIPS?

NIfty bro. PRECISELY what i wanted!

This didn’t help…… I have some feedback list the definitions, terms and more about Role/character Relationship Situation Time Place

This doesn’t help. Were the technical elements and stuff?

I agree with you my sister

This is Chadrin Nseemani, thank you very much probably my examination will be nice!

This didn’t help meeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can I get some help with: props, costumes, stage direction etc.#helpneeded

Correct me if I’m wrong, please, but aren’t props, costumes, stage directions etc. elements of production?

Great post! Have nice day ! 🙂

Always come back to this website whenever doing a drama assignment. Thanks to you I got an A+!!!!

Awesome! Well done!

great job 🙂 🙂 🙂

wonderful piece of writing I have enjoyed it.

Thanks for your feedback, Medardo.

This has been very helpful to me especially as I’m a self- tutored high school teacher of literature-in-English

Great to hear, Ohemeng.

Very interesting and informative forum. As a drama enthusiast, it keeps me abreast of the global elements of drama. Congrats to all of you and keep up the great work.

Yes they are all dramatic elements

The elements of time and place aren’t on this.

I would love to see this page updated to reflect the new curriculum! Great website. 😀

Thanks Sarah. I’ve been meaning to update this page for some time. It was originally written well before the VCAA developed descriptors for the dramatic elements in the VCE Drama course (first there were 11, then 12, now 9 elements). But the stats tell me this page consistently has interest from across the globe. I think I’ll update it to reflect the various elements of drama studied in all of the states and territories of Australia. This will double the current list with additional terms. I’ll get on to it!

Thanks this helped me with my 2.2 drama devising standard.

Excellent, Hannah!

that helped a lot

Thanks that really help me pass my assignment Thanks

But I would love it if I could get more importance of language in Drama. Thanks

I found this to be useful to me as well.Thanks

am writing an assignment on features of drama on the following characteristics suspense, plot, conflicts, protagonist, flashback, climax and interlude. your information is really helping me.

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What is Drama? Types of Drama Elements of Drama

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What is Drama? What is Drama in Literature? Features, Types & Details Students Must Know

Life is a drama… written by God (some say) and realised by us (we all know). However, when it comes to understanding drama as a concept – in literary terms or otherwise – it is a drama of mess and absurdity, at times, if you are new to the world of drama as a subject matter of study. Otherwise, we all may love to watch a nice drama being enacted by our favourite stage actors. Who would not?

Now, coming to the point, I have tried to Drama as a literary concept as simple as possible. As a genre and an artistic expression, and also from the point of view of the audience, there are many things about Drama one must know as a student of literature. In this article, you will learn what is Drama. Also, with its definition, you will know different types of drama, vital components of drama and a few other essential features of it. So, without any delay, let’s get straight into the subject at hand. Let us begin right with the definition of drama.

What is Drama?

Drama, both as a standalone concept and within the realm of literature, holds significant importance as artistic expression. It is a genre that presents a narrative through the enactment of characters on a stage, often involving dialogue , actions, and conflicts that unfold in front of an audience. In the domain of literature, drama often refers to written works intended for performance, encompassing plays and theatrical scripts that are designed to be enacted by actors on a stage.

It is remarkable to note that in literature, drama differs from other forms of storytelling in its focus on dialogue and the interaction between characters to convey the narrative, themes, and emotions. The structure of a dramatic work typically includes acts and scenes , which guide the progression of the storyline and offer distinct moments of tension, climax, and resolution . Through dialogue and actions, characters reveal their motivations, conflicts, and growth, making drama a dynamic medium for exploring the human experience.

Great dramatic works (or plays) in literature often reflect the societal, cultural, and psychological aspects of the time in which they were written. Playwrights utilise their creations to delve into complex themes, highlight moral dilemmas, challenge social norms, and provoke thought and emotional engagement among their audiences. The power of drama lies not only in its ability to entertain but also in its capacity to engage with issues that resonate deeply with the human condition.

Hint for Literature Students: before you start studying drama:

Students of English literature (or literature in any other language) should mark that understanding the nuances of drama in literature is crucial for analysing plays. They must take efforts to make themselves dexterous in identifying literary devices such as dramatic irony, soliloquies, and monologues, and uncovering the layers of meaning beneath the surface of characters’ interactions. By delving into the structure, themes, and character development of dramatic works, they can have a richer understanding of the complexities and artistry within this genre.

What are the Components of a Drama?

Below, you will find a list of components of a drama. I have tried to keep the sequence open, as open as I could, and it does not necessarily mean any order. You can understand the importance of each component and use your intellect to identify which ones are indispensable and which ones may be left alone when the need arises.

1. Characters: Characters are the heart of any dramatic work. They drive the plot, convey themes, and engage the audience emotionally. Characters can be protagonists, antagonists, foils, or supporting roles. Each character has distinct traits, motivations, and relationships that shape their interactions and influence the story’s development.

Example: In William Shakespeare’s tragedy “Hamlet,” the titular character Hamlet, driven by his quest for revenge and internal conflicts, interacts with other characters like Ophelia, Polonius, and Claudius, each contributing to the unfolding drama.

2. Plot: The plot is the sequence of events that constitute the storyline. It includes the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. The plot structure creates tension and intrigue, guiding the audience through the narrative journey.

Example: The plot of Arthur Miller’s play “The Crucible” follows the escalation of accusations and trials during the Salem witch trials, building tension until the climactic courtroom scene.

3. Conflict: Conflict is the driving force behind the drama. It can be internal (within a character’s mind) or external (between characters or circumstances). Conflict propels the story forward and illuminates the characters’ struggles and growth. Conflict makes a drama engaging, reflective and consuming. A drama without conflict may seldom exist.

Example: In Sophocles’ tragedy “Oedipus Rex,” the protagonist’s quest to uncover the truth about his past and his role in his father’s murder leads to a profound internal conflict as well as clashes with other characters.

4. Dialogue: Dialogue is the spoken communication between characters. It reveals their personalities, intentions, emotions, and relationships. Effective dialogue captures the essence of the characters and advances the plot.

Example: The witty and engaging dialogue between Beatrice and Benedick in Shakespeare’s comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” not only entertains but also showcases their evolving romantic relationship.

5. Setting: The setting establishes the time, place, and environment in which the drama unfolds. It influences the mood, atmosphere, and context of the story.

Example: Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” is set in the bustling city of New Orleans, with its distinct ambience and cultural backdrop contributing to the characters’ experiences.

6. Theme: Themes are the underlying ideas or messages conveyed through the drama. They address universal truths, societal issues, and philosophical concepts. Themes enrich the narrative and provoke thought.

Example: In Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House,” the theme of women’s societal roles and the pursuit of self-identity is explored through the character of Nora Helmer.

7. Stage Directions: Stage directions provide guidance for actors, directors, and designers. They describe actions, gestures, emotions, and technical elements that enhance the performance and visualization of the drama.

Example: In Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot,” the sparse stage directions contribute to the existential atmosphere and emphasize the characters’ sense of aimlessness.

8. Symbolism: Symbolism involves the use of objects, actions, or characters to represent abstract ideas or concepts. Symbolic elements add depth and layers of meaning to the drama.

Example: In Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” the plant that Mama nurtures symbolizes her dreams of a better future for her family.

What are the types of Drama? 

There are several major types of drama, each with its own distinctive characteristics and purposes. Here is a list of some of the major types, along with examples and detailed descriptions:

1. Tragedy: Tragedy is a genre that explores the downfall of a protagonist due to tragic flaws, external circumstances, or a combination of both. Tragedies evoke emotions such as pity and fear and often end in catastrophe or death for the central character.

Example: William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” follows the tragic journey of Macbeth’s ambition leading to his ultimate downfall and demise.

2. Comedy: Comedy is characterised by humour, wit, and lightheartedness. It often involves misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and humorous situations. Comedies aim to entertain and uplift the audience.

Example: Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” is a classic comedy that employs wit and satire to explore themes of social conventions and identity.

3. Tragicomedy (Dramedy): Tragicomedy combines elements of tragedy and comedy, often blending serious themes with humorous moments. These plays explore the complexities of life, encompassing both light and dark aspects.

Example: Tom Stoppard’s “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” reimagines the story of “Hamlet” from the perspective of two minor characters, balancing existential reflections with comedic exchanges.

4. Historical Drama: Historical dramas are set in a specific historical period and often involve real historical figures and events. They provide insight into the past while addressing universal themes.

Example: Friedrich Schiller’s “Mary Stuart” dramatizes the conflict between Mary, Queen of Scots, and Queen Elizabeth I, exploring power dynamics and personal struggles.

5. Musical Drama: Musical dramas combine theatrical performance with music, including songs and often dance routines. They can cover a wide range of themes and emotions, utilizing music to enhance storytelling.

Example: “Les Misérables” by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil adapts Victor Hugo’s novel into a musical drama that portrays the struggles of various characters against the backdrop of 19th-century France.

6. Absurdist Drama: Absurdist dramas challenge traditional narrative structures and explore the absurdity of human existence. They often feature illogical situations, disjointed dialogue, and existential themes.

Example: Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” is a quintessential absurdist play where two characters engage in nonsensical conversations while waiting for someone named Godot.

7. Political Drama: Political dramas centre around political conflicts, ideologies, and power struggles. They can focus on individuals, groups, or entire societies dealing with political issues.

Example: George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” uses allegory to portray the rise of totalitarianism and the corruption of political ideals through the actions of farm animals.

8. Melodrama: Melodramas emphasize heightened emotions and moral contrasts. They often feature clearly defined heroes and villains, and their plots revolve around intense emotional situations.

Example: Henrik Ibsen’s “Ghosts” is a melodrama that tackles taboo subjects like venereal disease and societal expectations within a family.

How to Study a Drama the Best Way?

Studying a drama effectively requires a systematic approach that delves into its various components and layers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Preliminary Reading: Begin by reading the drama thoroughly. Read it once to grasp the overall plot and storyline. Take note of initial impressions, emotions, and questions that arise as you read.

2. Contextual Research: Research the playwright’s background, the historical period, and cultural influences at the time the drama was written. Understanding the context enhances your interpretation of the work.

3. Character Analysis: Analyse the characters’ personalities, motivations, and relationships. Take note of how they evolve throughout the drama. Pay attention to their roles in advancing the plot and conveying themes.

4. Plot Structure: Break down the drama’s plot into acts and scenes. Identify the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Map out the progression of conflicts and events.

5. Theme Exploration: Identify the central themes and underlying messages of the drama. Consider how characters, dialogue, and events contribute to the exploration of these themes.

6. Dialogue Examination: Analyse the dialogue between characters. Identify key speeches, monologues, and dialogues that reveal character traits, emotions, and thematic elements. Look for literary devices such as metaphors, similes, and symbolism.

7. Stage Directions and Setting: Study the stage directions and setting descriptions. Visualise how the playwright intended the scenes to be staged and how the environment contributes to the mood and themes.

8. Conflict Identification: Identify the primary conflicts within the drama. Distinguish between internal conflicts (within characters) and external conflicts (between characters or external forces).

9. Symbolism and Imagery: Identify symbolic elements and recurring imagery throughout the drama. Consider how these symbols enhance the meaning and depth of the story.

10. Comparative Analysis: Compare the drama with other works by the same playwright or within the same genre. Identify similarities and differences in themes, characters, and techniques.

11. Cultural and Societal Analysis: Consider how the drama reflects the cultural and societal values of its time. Explore how it addresses relevant issues and challenges norms.

12. Critical Interpretation: Read critical analyses, reviews, and scholarly articles about the drama. Engaging with different perspectives can enrich your understanding and help you form your own interpretation.

13. Personal Response: Reflect on your emotional and intellectual responses to the drama. What aspects resonated with you? How did the drama affect your thoughts and emotions?

14. Discussion and Interaction: Engage in discussions with peers, classmates, or online communities. Sharing insights and perspectives can lead to deeper understanding.

15. Writing and Presentation: Summarise your analysis in a well-structured essay, presentation, or discussion. Support your points with evidence from the text and external research.

16. Revisiting and Reflecting: After completing your analysis, revisit the drama with fresh insights. Reflect on how your understanding has evolved and consider new interpretations.

By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to delve deeply into the layers of the drama, uncovering its nuances and appreciating the artistry and messages woven into the narrative. This methodical approach will enable you to attempt a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the drama you’re studying.

Conclusion: 

So, in this article, we have understood the definition of Drama, the major types of Drama with examples and also the chief components that form a good drama. Moreover, we also tried to form a list of actions or activities that we can execute to study and understand a play better and comprehensively. I am sure if you go through this study guide carefully, you will have a better approach to studying drama. All the best! Do well and keep learning!

By Alok Mishra for the English Literature Education Platform

Read related articles from this category:

Bildungsroman – literary term definition, examples, notes & help you need

List of important literary terms associated with studying drama or play – Literature Guides

Anticlimax – meaning of literary term: definition in context of literature and beyond

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12 Comments . Leave new

Thank guys. I what appreciate you. Keep up the good work. God bless you guys.

It helps me a lot

Its very very very helpful. Thank you for taking time to write and post.

What are the feature of drama

Thanks for all the information and details it’s useful and clear

Thank you very much. I have learnt a lot from this

This is a very helpful article. I am a BA first semester student. Totally confused where to begin. This one helped me understand many things about drama. I also explored other articles on the site helpful for beginners in English literature. Please keep posting more. Thanks so much

Very good article. It really helped me understand the features of drama. Thank you

Great article I give most benefits This is easier way for learning, reading, understanding

Sir, You should also bring an article on Indian classical literature. Above article is fantastic about drama.

Thanks for reading, and this comment, Sanjana! I will write that article soon. I intend to keep writing articles about whatever I have to teach first-semester students of the new CBCS course, with an English major.

Keep exploring! All the best!

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7 Different Types of Drama in Literature!

Drama , popularly understood as a performing art, is one of the major modes of representation of  fiction . Alternatively, drama is also a genre of visual and written media, used for comparatively serious  narrative   fiction . However, drama in literature is characterized by a narrative with dialogues and performance. Whether enacted in theatres, radio shows or incorporated into written media, drama is all around us. In this article, let’s learn briefly about the  history , significance and different types of drama in literature!

What is Drama?

• History of Drama in Literature

Dramatic Expression

Drama of literature or closet drama.

• Drama Type – Comedy
• Drama Type – Tragedy

Tragi-Comedy

• Drama Type – Melodrama
• Drama Type – Musical

Interesting Facts About Greek Drama and Theater

Parting thoughts.

Etymologically, the word drama comes from the Greek word “ draō ” which means “to do/ to act”. Have you ever noticed two marks representing drama? These masks identified with drama illustrate the classic conventional distinction between  comedy  and tragedy.

Drama, to this day, remains a precious art of collaborative production and reception, performed at a  theatre  for an audience. You might have enjoyed one yourself. However, it wouldn’t be exaggerating to say that this art is slowly fading off. We have neglected the art too much but there’s still  time .  The importance of theatre art  should be inculcated in everyone, whether children or adult.

There are many different forms of drama, including mime, closet drama, improvisations, musicals, opera and others. Some of these forms have found their way into a dramatic literary corpus. For example, a closet drama refers exactly to what was written for reading, not performance. Others are specifically performative drama such as mime. It refers to a theatrical performance of gestures and suggestions of  emotions  and actions without the use of  dialogues .

In simple words, hence, drama in  literature  is a performance of a narrative with dialogues, performed sometimes with  dance  and music according to a script. This script in a written form is widely read and enjoyed.

History of Drama  in Literature

Ancient greeks.

As you can already guess, we can trace drama straight back to Ancient Greece, where Western drama originated. The cultural city of Athens mainly produced three  types of drama – tragedy, comedy and satyr play. The exact origin of drama, or plays is obscure, as is the custom for so many cultural traditions.

However, drama as a  mode  of celebration was institutionalised in Athens in the 5th century BC through competitions to honour the God Dionysus. From the ancient period, only the works of a few dramatists remain to this day.

Some of them are:

• Aristophanes

Ancient Romans

Next comes, yes, you guessed it right, Rome!

The Romans came across Greek drama when they captured several territories of the Ancient Greece in the 3rd century BC. By means of the Roman Empire, the art of drama spread far and wide. However, few works survive of the Roman dramatists.

Medieval Period

• In the medieval period, churches took it upon themselves to popularize drama by encouraging enactments of biblical events.
• These  types  of drama would require two groups to sing in Latin and by the 11th century, this type of drama spread through the whole of Europe and even Russia.
• In the middle ages, plays were generally religious in thematic contexts because they served as important means of disseminating religious codes and education. However, secular and morality plays were also popular.

Elizabethan Period

The 16th and 17th century England was perhaps the most important period for drama. At this time, most plays were written in verses in  iambic pentameter . It is a type of metric line used in  poetry  and verse drama. It specifies the  rhythm  or meter in a particular line. In addition to William  Shakespeare , Christopher Marlowe, Thomas Middleton and Ben Jonson are important playwrights of this period. The themes of such plays were largely drawn from the mythology of Ancient Greece or Roman mythology.

English  Restoration Comedies in the period of the 17th and 18th centuries were also popular, bringing on the  renaissance  of English drama in literature. Stealing from Greeks, Romans and other European counterparts, sexual explicitness, urbane, cosmopolitan wit, current topical literature, and dense, busy storylines marked English Restoration Comedies.

During the second wave of Restoration comedy in the 1690s, William Congreve and John Vanbrugh’s “softer” plays sought to appeal to a more socially diversified audience with a large middle-class element, as well as female viewers.

Modern and Post-Modern Period

Innovative branches of drama led by Norwegian Henrik Ibsen and German Bertolt Brecht marked the 19th and 20th centuries. These plays were marked by realist and modern, experimental themes, social critique. Some important playwrights of this period are George Bernard Shaw, Arthur Miller, Antonin Artaud and others.

Expression of drama, or the language of drama stems from the understanding and context of the text depicted. Different types of drama in literature have different expressions. It can be ritualistic and exaggerated or parallel the motion pictures.  Britannica  mentions the authors of ancient Greek ceremonial theatre who wrote in verses, and it is thought that their performers delivered this in an incantatory manner midway between  speech  and  song . The result of such rhythmic word delivery was to raise the tone of the entire theatre to that of religious adoration.

A poem accompaniment makes the performers’ highly stylized system of symbolic movements of head and eyes, arms and fingers a harmonic totality in  Indian  play. The tragic soliloquy in Shakespeare allowed the hero, alone on stage with the audience, to evaluate his thoughts aloud in the persuasive terms of poetry. 

What is  Drama in Literature ?

Drama is strongly linked to literature, so much so that the two are practically inseparable. For an instance, the play Hamlet has both dramatic and literary value.

Drama can reach an audience in two ways

• by way of hearing
• by way of sight.

Consequently, drama is broadly of two types:

• the drama of action
• the drama of literature.
• Dialogues and scenes are written particularly to appeal to the reader.
• In this, dramatists follow the narrative via written performance and build tension around the  plot .
• For an instance, let’s take Hamlet. We keep on wondering whether Prince Hamlet will ever revenge his father’s death and free himself of his bothersome ghosts and visions of floating daggers by slaying the play’s  antagonist  Claudius.

Types of Drama in Literature

There are 7 types of drama in literature to bring out the narrative. These are:

Let’s look at each of them!

Drama Type –  Comedy

Comedy is a type or genre of drama that is intended to make people laugh. However, humour is not the only quality that signifies a comedy. The main themes of a comedy are-

• The tone is lighthearted.
• Ingenious wordplay or twists of phrases.
• Serious issues are addressed in a lighthearted manner.
• Misunderstandings are amusing.
• A happy ending.
• Characters who are silly and out of the ordinary.
• Usually concludes with a wedding, especially in romantic comedies.

The sub- genres  of comedy include romantic comedies, sentimental comedies and others.  William Shakespeare ’s “Much Ado About Nothing” is one of the most famous instances of comedy. With smart banter and more  than  a few stupid misunderstandings, Beatrice and Benedick go from enemies to lovers. And, as is customary in Shakespearean comedies, it concludes with a wedding!

Another Shakespearean comedy is “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. This romantic comedy addresses one of his favourite themes, “love conquers all,” with a funny twist. Young couples continually fall in and out of love as a result of a sequence of humorous and surprising events. Their equally humorous real-world problems are magically solved by a mischievous sprite named Puck as they tackle the flaws of love. Old enemies will soon become friends, and truly loved ones will meet again to live happily at Shakespeare’s happy ending.

Farce is another type of drama in literature which is, broadly humorous, however, there are significant differences between a comedy and a farce. The main themes of farce are-

• Exaggerated wit
• Jokes that are slapstick
• The plot is illogical.
• Unexpected occurrences
• Humor is frequently coarse and inappropriate.

The play “Waiting for Godot” by Samuel Beckett is a case on point. But, The plot revolves around two guys, Vladimir and Estragon. The men wait beneath a  tree  for Godot, a mystery figure. We do discover, though, that Godot continually sends word that he would arrive the next day, but this never happens. In other words, nothing happens with any surety in this drama.

Drama Type  – Tragedy

Therefore, tragedies are one of the most common and popular types of drama. As you can probably guess, tragedies tend to be sad. However, there is more to tragedies than that. The main themes are-

• A fatal fault in the  protagonist
• Situations that easily spiral out of control — and not in a good way
• Human agony, hate, or poverty are frequent topics. These are darker topics than in a melodrama.
• Describes the demise of a once heroic or well-liked persona.
• An unredeemable conclusion in which one or more characters die
• Arrives at a terrible catharsis

Shakespeare offers a plethora of tragedies from which to pick. Few, however, can compare to “Othello” in terms of its vicious villain, tragic demise of its hero, and heartbreaking denouement. Because he doesn’t believe he deserves the life he has, Othello loses everything he has ever loved or desired.

These complex among the types of drama in literature. They are more than just tragedy and comedy blended together. The main themes are-

• A serious plot delivered in a funny, sarcastic, or snarky manner.
• Characters with tragic flaws whose acts do not result in death
• A confusing subject
• Characters with broad personalities that act in stereotypically humorous ways
• There is no joyful or funny conclusion.

Classic plays were primarily concerned with clear-cut comedy, tragedy, or melodramatic genres. Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” contains enough comedic aspects to keep it from being classified as a tragedy – yet no one can argue that Blanche DuBois is anything other than a terribly broken character. It is the epitome of modern tragicomedy.

Drama Type –  Melodrama

Melodramas are an exaggerated kind of drama in literature, in which conventional one-dimensional characters such as heroes, heroines, and villains contend with exciting, passionate, and frequently deadly situations. The main themes of melodrama are-

• Character clichés include heroes, heroines, villains, mentors, and so on.
• Romantic or sombre stories with sweeping arcs
• Plots and events that are larger-than-life (or very small stories told in big ways)
• Character reactions are exaggerated
• Clearly defined literary topics
• Character flaws must be overcome in order to attain a resolution
• Ending that is sometimes cheerful and sometimes sad

When referring to melodrama, take Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House”. Nora’s exaggerated emotions place the piece squarely in the category of melodrama. WOW!! The finale is a blend of Nora’s delight and hope and Torvald’s melancholy and despair. Sometimes called “tear-jerkers”, another example of such melodramas is the play “The  Glass  Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams.

Many a time, people don’t understand the difference between opera and musicals. An opera is a type of drama where the  actors  sing the lines or dialogues instead of speaking them. Also, the main themes of an opera are-

• Arias, which are actually musical soliloquies.
• Plot-driving sequences that may or may not be melodious
• A libretto (text) that has been turned to music.
• Tragic, comic, or melodramatic subject matter
• May have a dancing aspect, but mostly depends upon vocal performances
• Set design, costume design, and production

Giacomo Puccini’s “La Boheme” is one of the most famous operas of all time. It portrays the sad narrative of Rodolfo and Mimi, as well as the world of French Bohemia. The drama unfolds over the course of a year, set to one of opera’s most unforgettable compositions.

Drama Type –  Musical

Musicals are different from opera. While lines in opera are sung, dialogues in musicals are infused with music and performances. The main themes of musicals are-

• Firstly Songs break up periods of conventional plot.
• Characters frequently sing in unison to express their emotions.
• Songs as plot-altering devices
• Storylines that be dramatic or hilarious
• A  memorable  and unique musical score
• Frequently a lot of singing and dancing.

Many musicals, such as “Les Miserables” and “Phantom of the Opera” are based on larger literary works. Both of these musical dramas communicate their topics directly via song and use musical sequences to advance the story. They simplify their original material by focusing on the most vital characters and plot components.

• The term “theatre” is derived from the Greek word “theatron,” which means “seeing place.”
• The masks allowed a single actor to play multiple roles in the same play.
• The skene was a structure behind the orchestra. The skene was where actors changed their costumes. To create the background, pictures were sometimes hung from the skene. This is the origin of the term “scene.”
• The chorus would occasionally comment on the characters in the play or warn the hero of impending danger.
• A man named Thespis was the first actor. Actors are sometimes referred to as “Thespians” nowadays.
• Ancient Greece is where the drama masks that have come to symbolise theatre first appeared. The two masks represent the two main genres of Greek theatre, Comedy and Tragedy.
• In ancient Greece, tragedy, a genre that focuses on human suffering, was the most popular theatrical form. Thespis, a playwright and actor, is credited with the first performance of tragedy at the Dionysia.

Drama in literature is an ancient art, that we should preserve. Not only is it enjoyable to read, but also is delightful to perform. However, Theatre is a very subtle  art form , and these actors deserve our respect and reverence. Also, Immerse yourself in reading more and more drama to enjoy this ancient art.

Drama allows children to explore, discuss, and deal with difficult issues, as well as express their emotions in a safe environment. It allows them to investigate their own cultural values as well as those of others, both  past  and present.

For more such informative and exciting articles keep visiting our  blog !

What exactly is drama in literature?

A drama is a form of literature that is created to be performed in front of an audience. This sort of  writing  takes the form of a script, and the tale is told through the lines of the actors who play the characters. People can view dramas on stage, on the radio, or on film. 

What are some  examples  of drama in literature?

Here are three famous examples of drama in literature: 1. A tragedy is depicted in William Shakespeare’s famous play Romeo and Juliet. Due to their bickering families, two young children in this drama fall in love and feel compelled to keep their feelings hidden from their parents. Their hasty decisions, however, lead to their deaths. 2. Jean Cocteau’s play  Les parents terribles  is an example of a melodrama that has numerous layers of overdramatic scenarios such as infidelity and suicide. 3. The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Weber is a well-known example of a musical play that portrays the story of obsession.

What is the significance of drama in literature?

Dramas serve the purpose of entertaining the audience. While reading a narrative might be powerful, seeing it performed by actors adds a sense of realism to the work. Many individuals prefer spending their spare time watching dramas, specifically in the form of movies or television, in this day and age of binge-watching.

What are the four primary types of drama?

Tragedy, comedy, tragicomedy, and melodrama are the four main types of drama. Although these genres emerged at separate times, each has its own distinct qualities. All of them, however, play important roles in contemporary culture and should be recognised.

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Types of Characters and Characterization in Drama

Aug 04, 2014

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Types of Characters and Characterization in Drama. Reading 3.10 – identify and describe the function of dialogue, scene designs, soliloquies, asides, and character foils in dramatic literature. Types of Characters. Round Character : has many personality traits, like a real person.

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• scene designs
• flat characters
• many personality traits
• single personality trait
• dramatic foil

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Types of Characters and Characterization in Drama Reading 3.10 – identify and describe the function of dialogue, scene designs, soliloquies, asides, and character foils in dramatic literature.

Types of Characters • Round Character: has many personality traits, like a real person. • Flat Character: is one-dimensional, embodying only a single personality trait. • Shakespeare’s plays often include flat characters who provide comic relief. • Dramatic Foil: a character who highlights another character’s traits by providing a contrast. • Parallel: a character whose traits are very similar to another character. • Catalyst: a character that causes major change or conflict, especially one is not affected by the consequences of his/her actions

Types of Characterization • Dialogue: a conversation between two characters • Monologue: a speech by one character • Soliloquy: a speech in which a character is alone on stage and expresses thoughts aloud • Aside: words spoken by a character on stage, but not meant to be heard by other characters on stage

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