Drama and Play Elements

Need to study the elements of a drama/play? Use these incredible flashcards!

Drama

A story acted out on stage for a live audience.

Cast of Characters

The people or animals played by actors in a play.

Protagonist

The main character or hero of the story who faces the central conflict.

Antagonist

The villain or opponent who opposes the protagonist.

Playwright

The author or writer of a drama or play.

Setting

When, where, and with whom the story takes place.

Dialogue

Conversation between two or more characters on stage.

Stage Directions

Written instructions telling actors what to do or how to move on stage.

Acts

Large sections of a play made up of scenes, similar to chapters in a book.

Scenes

Smaller sections of a play showing that the setting, time, or place has changed.

Script

The written text of a play, movie, or broadcast.

Teleplay

A play written or adapted specifically for television.

Monologue

A long speech given by one character to other characters on stage.

Soliloquy

A long speech given by a character who is alone on stage expressing their inner thoughts.

Aside

Brief remarks made by a character directly to the audience or one character that others on stage cannot hear.

Narrator

A special character outside the main story who provides extra context or explains what is happening.

Exposition

The beginning of the story where characters and setting are introduced.

Rising Action

The part of the plot where tension builds and characters face problems or conflicts.

Climax

The moment of highest tension that determines how the central conflict will be resolved.

Resolution

The final part of the plot where the main conflict is wrapped up or solved.

Difference between Monologue and Soliloquy

A monologue is given to other characters on stage, whereas a soliloquy is given by a character who is alone on stage expressing inner thoughts.

Comparison of Acts in a Play

Acts are large sections of a play made up of scenes, similar to chapters in a book.

Indicator of a New Scene

A smaller section showing that the setting, time, or place has changed.

Audience of an Aside

Brief remarks made directly to the audience or one character, which others on stage cannot hear.

Function of a Narrator

To serve as a special character outside the main story who provides extra context or explains what is happening.