literary terms helpful for drama

stage directions

instructions in a play that tell performers what to do, how to do it, or where to go. they can also indicate setting

paradox

a statement of concept that contains conflicting ideas — contradictory situations in the world around us — that logic suggest cannot be true

aside

a piece of dialogue intended for the audience and supposedly not heard by the other actors on stage. a remark made in an undertone so as to be inaudible to others nearby.

characterization

how a character is presented; what is rendered about a character through speech, dress, actions, etc.

irony

a contrast or discrepancy between what’s happening and what is expected to happen

dramatic irony

a situation in a play (or move) where the audience understands events better than the characters do.

verbal irony

a character saying the opposite of what she or he really means

catharsis

a term usually applied to drama (thanks to aristotle). the purging of feelings of pity, fear, or sadness that the audience experienced when watching a tragedy. watching the drama helps us relieve ourselves of those emotions.

soliloquy

when one character in a play speaks his/her thoughts aloud, as if speaking to him/herself. the character in this case is usally alone on stage and not aware of any listeners.

monologue

when one character in a play speaks, but is talking to an audience or another character. the character here is well aware that s/he is being listened to.