English Drama terms

Act

a way to divide a play. Each act is a group of scenes that form an important part of the story.

Aside

a dramatic device in which a character speaks to the audience; it is usually a brief comment, rather than a speech, such as a monologue or soliloquy.

Soliloquy

a device often used in drama when a character speaks to him/herself, relating thoughts and feelings, thereby also sharing them with the audience, giving off the illusion of being a series of unspoken reflections.

Scene

a division of an act presenting continuous action in one place.

Monologue

an extended speech by one character.

Prologue

a speech often in verse addressed to the audience by an actor at the beginning of a play.

Epilogue

a speech often in verse addressed to the audience by an actor at the end of a play.

Dialogue

a conversation between two or more people.

Tragic Flaw

a flaw in a character that brings out the downfall of the hero of a tragedy.

Tragedy

a serious drama typically describing a conflict between the protagonist and a superior force (such as destiny) and having a sorrowful or disastrous conclusion that elicits pity or terror.

Comedy

a drama of light and amusing character and typically with a happy ending.

Farce

type of comedy that makes use of highly exaggerated and funny situations aimed at entertaining the audience.

Foil

a character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight the qualities of the other character.

Comic Relief

an author's use of humor to give the reader or audience an emotional break from the tension and heavy mood of a serious or tragic plot. This can include humorous characters, clever dialogue, and funny scenes.

Hubris

extreme pride and arrogance shown by a character, which ultimately brings about his downfall.

Hamartia

a fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine.

Villain

a character in a play that opposes the hero.

Hero

a person admired for achievements and noble qualities; one who shows great courage.

Melodrama

a dramatic work in which the plot, typically sensationalized and for a strong emotional appeal, takes precedence over detailed characterization.

Catharsis

the purification or purgation of emotions, especially pity and fear.