DRAMA TERMS

ACT

A major unit in a play

(similar to a chapter in a

book)

SCENE

A smaller division of an act

STAGE DIRECTIONS

The italicized instructions in a play

Describe the setting, suggest the

use of props, lighting, scenery,

sound effects and costumes

TRAGEDY

A dramatic work that presents the

downfall of a dignified character who

is involved in historically, morally or

socially significant events.

TRAGIC FLAW

A trait that leads a

character to his/her

downfall

MONOLOGUE

A long, uninterrupted

speech that is spoken in the

presence of other characters

SOLILOQUY

A single character alone on stage

thinking out loud

A way of letting the audience know

what is on the character’s mind

ASIDE

Words that are spoken by a character

in a play to the audience or to another

character but that are not supposed to

be overheard by the others onstage

A way for characters to tell a secret

FOIL

A character whose traits

contrast with those of another

FORESHADOWING

Lines that give hints or

clues to future events

IRONY

How a person, situation,

statement or is not as it would

actually seem

ELEMENTS OF A SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDY

Exposition

Rising action with exciting force

Climax

Falling Action

Catastrophe