Kusa Kusa Drama Vocabulary

This set of flashcards covers literary terms, character archetypes, and plot-specific vocabulary from the Zulu drama 'Kusa Kusa' by S. P. Nhleko.

Structure (Isakhiwo)

The division of a play into three parts: introduction (sethulo/isingeniso), body (umzimba), and conclusion (isiphetho).

Act (Inkundla)

A major part of a play that is built through curiosity, climax, and resolution.

Scene (Isigcawu)

A smaller part of an act that shows the actions of different characters as the story moves forward.

Protagonist (Ummeleli)

The main character or hero of the play who faces a central conflict, identified in this story as Vusi.

Antagonist (Imbangi)

A character who opposes the protagonist and hinders their efforts to solve a problem.

Internal Conflict (Udweshu lwangaphakathi)

A struggle within a character, such as when they conflict with their own feelings, seen through Vusi's distress over his unemployment.

External Conflict (Udweshu lwangaphandle)

A struggle between different characters, such as the conflict between Vusi and Zenzile when she breaks up with him.

Climax (Uvuthondaba)

The peak of the story where the truth comes out and the tension is highest, such as when Vusi receives a training offer from Newcastle Hospital.

Complication (Isixakaxaka)

The part of the body of the play where problems grow and the protagonist struggles to find a solution.

Falling Action (Upholavuthondaba)

The section of the play where the intense tension begins to subside following the climax.

Plot Twist (Ingwijikhwebu)

An unexpected turn at the end of the play where things do not go as the audience or characters originally anticipated.

Tragedy (Imbangalusuzi)

The genre of the play 'Kusa Kusa,' characterized by a sad ending for characters who fail to plan for the future.

Theme (Indikimba)

The central message of the play, which in this work suggests that patience eventually leads to achieving what one desires.

Setting (Isizinda)

The combined elements of place (indawo), time (isikhathi), and social environment (isimo senhlalo) where the story occurs.

Soliloquy (Ukukhuluma komuntu yedwa)

A speech given by a single character alone on stage to reveal their internal thoughts and worries.

S. P. Nhleko

The author of the play 'Kusa Kusa,' who was born on June 17, 1981, and passed away in 2013.

Vusi

The protagonist who is portrayed as patient, hardworking, and persistent despite facing long-term unemployment.

Zenzile

A character who is portrayed as materialistic and impatient; she leaves Vusi for Mxolisi and eventually suffers a disabling car accident.

Nomcebo

A kind, honest, and sympathetic character who supports Vusi and eventually becomes a nurse alongside him.

Mxolisi

A deceptive character who dates Zenzile to show off but is eventually arrested for stealing money from his workplace.

Sebenzile

A character who values material wealth above all else; she encourages Zenzile to leave Vusi but eventually loses her arm in a car accident.

Social Condition (Isimo senhlalo)

The way of life in the play's setting, where status and respect are largely tied to employment and money.