The Elements of Drama Introduction to Drama What

The Elements of Drama

Introduction to Drama • What is DRAMA? – A drama or play is a form of literature that is performed for an audience either on stage or before a camera

The Elements of Drama • Drama, like fiction, tells a story with characters, setting, and plot • Drama is meant to be performed for an audience and is written in the form of a script

Understanding the Elements • Cast of Characters – A script usually begins with a list of characters – List includes a short description of each character

Understanding the Elements • Dialogue – DIALOGUE = conversation between characters – Plot and characterization is revealed through dialogue – Dialogue appears in lines next to the characters’ names

Understanding the Elements • Stage Directions – Instructions for the performer, director, and stage crew – Printed in italics and enclosed in (parentheses) –Describe scenery, props, movement and speech

Understanding the Elements • Acts and Scenes – The action of a play is divided into scenes • A scene changes when the setting, time, place, or both changes. – Sometimes scenes are grouped into acts.

Exit Slip • Use the play “Sleepy Hollow” to answer the following prompts on your paper • Name of character. Description of character. • A line of dialogue and what it REVEALS about a character or the story • An example of a stage direction • This play is divided into. . .