AQA GCSE English Macbeth definitions

Tragedy

A type of play in which the main character experiences a downfall, often because of a personal weakness, mistake, or fate, leading to suffering or death.

Scene

A section of a play that takes place in one location and at one point in time. A new scene usually begins when characters enter or leave, or when the setting changes.

Soliloquy

A speech in which a character, alone on stage, reveals their thoughts and feelings directly to the audience.

Aside

A brief comment made by a character that is heard by the audience but is supposedly not heard by the other characters on stage.

Dramatic irony

When the audience knows something that one or more characters do not, creating tension or suspense.

Divine Right of Kings

The belief that a king or queen is chosen by God and therefore has the right to rule. Challenging the monarch was seen as challenging God's will.

Motif

A recurring image, idea, symbol, word, or theme that appears throughout a text and helps to develop its meaning.

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch) to create vivid pictures in the audience's mind.

Ambition

A strong desire to achieve success, power, or a particular goal.

Tragic Flaw

A weakness or characteristic of a tragic hero that contributes to their downfall. This is also known as hamartia.