Drama Unit

Terms and definitions

DRAMA

the literary genre of works intended for the theater

FLASHBACK

• a transition (in literary or theatrical works or films) to

an earlier event or scene that interrupts the normal

chronological development of the story

FORESHADOWING

• the use of clues to hint at events that will occur later

in the plot

STAGE DIRECTIONSThe specific instructions a playwright includes

concerning sets, characterization, delivery, etc., italicized instructions in a play written by

the playwright; describe the setting, entrances and exits of the characters, and how characters look, speak, and react to events or to others; suggest use of props,

lighting, scenery, sound effects, and costumes

SCENES

•divisions of acts that occur in DIFFERENT SETTINGS

ACTS

Two or more scenes grouped together

DIALOGUE

• the lines spoken by characters in drama or

fiction

MONOLOGUE

• a (usually long) dramatic speech by a single actor

SOLILOQUY

• in drama, a character speaks alone on stage to

allow his/her thoughts and ideas to be conveyed to the

audience

NARRATOR

• The person that is telling the story in between lines

of characters.

CHARACTERS • A role or part in a play, movie, tv show, or

book. • antagonist • the character who works against the

protagonist in the story • protagonist • the main character in a literary work • (usually the hero in the story)

Teleplay

• A drama written specifically for television.

MusicalA drama in which music plays the key role.