Drama Flashcards for midterm

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and definitions related to the study of drama and storytelling.

Irony

The expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.

Foil

A character, setting, or idea that contrasts sharply with another element to highlight its specific qualities.

Theme

The playwright's message to the reader; the central idea of the play.

Mood

The feeling created for the reader by a play, established by setting, stage directions, and character interactions.

Act

A major division of the action of a play, usually referenced with capital Roman numerals.

Scene

A minor division of action within an act, characterized by a change of setting or time.

Dialogue

The conversation between two or more characters in the play.

Monologue

A long speech made by one character, often monopolizing a conversation.

Soliloquy

A character is presented as speaking to himself, thinking out loud.

Aside

A character speaks directly to the audience while turning away from another character.

Stage Directions

Comments or instructions from the playwright that guide the production of the play and help readers visualize it.

Protagonist

The main character in the story.

Antagonist

The obstacles that prevent the protagonist from reaching their goals.

Conflict

Tension that results from confronting obstacles that hinder a character's goals.

Verbal Irony

When the speaker says one thing but means another.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows something the character(s) do not.

Situational Irony

A situation in which actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended.

Tragedy

A drama or literary work in which the main character suffers ruin or extreme sorrow due to a tragic flaw.