Intro to Literature Study Guide for Exam No.4: Drama Terminology

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terminology and concepts related to drama for Exam No.4.

Tragedy

A plot where a character dies or suffers due to a flaw; aims to evoke pity and fear, uses high language, and ends with death or moral destruction.

Comedy

Amusing drama that ends happily and contains lovers, fools, misunderstandings, mistaken identities, often featuring characters in absurd situations.

Aristotle's Element of Drama: Plot

The most important element; the arrangement of incidents or actions within the play.

Aristotle's Element of Drama: Character

The agents of the plot who provide motivations for events and face/overcome obstacles.

Aristotle's Element of Drama: Theme

The main idea or central message of the play.

Aristotle's Element of Drama: Dialogue

The spoken words exchanged between characters in the play.

Prologue

An introduction that sets the scene and introduces characters.

Monologue

A long speech delivered by one character to reveal their thoughts and inner life.

Soliloquy

A speech where a character speaks their inner thoughts aloud.

Dumb Show

Gestures used to convey a message without speech.

Aside

When a character speaks directly to the audience.

Chorus

A group of performers who summarize, provide commentary, or participate in the action of a play.

Catharsis

The release of emotions experienced by the audience during a play.

Cuckold

A man whose partner has a sexual relationship with someone else, originating from the cuckoo bird.

Tragicomedy

A play or novel containing elements of both comedy and tragedy.

Situation Comedy

A TV series featuring a continuing cast of characters in a succession of episodes.