Self-Expansion through Drama Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining key literary and theatrical terms covered in the Self-Expansion through Drama lecture notes.

Drama

A form of literature that tells a story through the actions, dialogue, and performances of characters, written to be performed on a stage, in a theater, or on screen before an audience.

William Shakespeare

English playwright, poet, and actor born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and often called the 'Bard of Avon'.

Renaissance

A period in sixteenth-century England during which Shakespeare lived and wrote; the word comes from the French word meaning 'rebirth'.

Historical Drama

Reenactments of events in the past, often featuring characters who are historical figures.

Tragedy

A type of drama in which the main character faces serious conflict and experiences a tragic downfall, often ending in sadness or death.

Hamartia

A tragic flaw in a main character that contributes to their tragic downfall.

Catharsis

The emotional impact experienced by the audience during a tragedy.

Comedy

A type of play that uses humor and amusing situations to entertain the audience and usually ends with a happy resolution.

Soliloquy

A speech directed to the audience that no other character onstage hears.

Dramatic Point of View

The perspective in which a story is presented through the characters' dialogue, actions, and stage directions rather than through a narrator.

Act

A major division of a play that contains a significant part of the story.

Dialogue

The spoken conversation between two or more characters in a drama, play, novel, or story.

Spectacle

The visual aspect of a play, including the set, costumes, lighting, props, makeup, and special effects.

Music

The use of songs, instrumental sounds, or background music in a play.