Literary and Dramatic Devices in Plays and Poetry

Aside

Words that are spoken by a character in a play to the audience or to another character. These words are not supposed to be overheard by the others onstage.

Monologue

A long speech by an actor in a play with other characters present on stage.

Soliloquy

When a character in a play is speaking his thoughts aloud to themselves, by themselves on stage.

Prologue

A short introduction at the beginning of a play that gives a brief overview of the plot.

Blank Verse

Verse without rhyme, especially that which uses iambic pentameter.

Iambic Pentameter

A line of verse with five groups of syllables called metric feet, consisting of one short unstressed syllable followed by one long stressed syllable.

Couplet

Two consecutive lines of poetry that rhyme, typically at the end of a Shakespearean Sonnet.

Prose

Direct and unadorned form of language, written or spoken, in ordinary use.

Verse

Writing arranged with a metrical rhythm, typically having a rhyme.

Drama

A story written to be acted for an audience.

Tragedy

A play, novel, or other narrative that depicts serious and important events in which the main character comes to an unhappy end.

Sonnet

A poem of 14 lines; usually has 10 syllables per line.

Character Foil

Character who is used as a contrast to another character; writer intensifies the qualities of two characters in this way.

Comic Relief

Humor added that lessens the seriousness of a plot.

Static Character

A character who does not change in personality or perspective over the course of a story.

Dynamic Character

A character who experiences significant transformation in personality and perspective over the course of a story.

Metaphor

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.

Pun

The humorous use of a word that suggests two or more meanings.

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Oxymoron

Two or more words used together that are opposites.

Double Entendre

A word or expression capable of two interpretations, one is usually humorous.

Verbal Irony

When words express something contrary to truth or someone says the opposite of what they really mean.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience watching a play understands what's happening but the characters are unaware.