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Introduction to Drama

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Definition

Unlike short stories or

novels, plays are

written for the express

purpose of

performance.

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Definition

Actors play roles and

present the storyline

through dialogue,

action, and gestures.

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Definitions

For the most part, plays have no narrators.

(There are a few notable exceptions to this

rule.)

The audience must glean critical

information from the action on stage.

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Dealing with Details

Unlike novels or short stories, plays havespecial features.

Plays are divided into acts and scenes.Scripts feature lists of characters and stage

directions which require the reader to pauseand visualize the set up.

Readers and actors must pay close attention tothe dialogue in order to understand thecharacters and action.

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Important Terms

Monologuean extended speech by one

character.

Soliloquyan extended speech by one character,alone on stage. Soliloquies are used to express

the private thoughts of one character.

Asidea characters direct address to the

audience, which is not heard by the other

characters.

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Monologues,soliloquies, and asidesare dramatictechniques that

provide direct insightinto motives, attitudes,and overall tone.

These techniquesfunction like afictional narrator.

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Two Basic Flavors

Tragedy

Tragedies treat serioussubjects and oftenfocus on the tragicheros character.Tragedies usually end

with death.

Comedy

Comedies aredramatic works whichuse humor to explore

various themes andcharacters. Comediesusually end on ahappy note.

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More Terms

Dramatic Irony

Playwrights use dramatic irony when they allow the

audience to know more than the characters do about aspecific situation or incident.

In ShakespearesHamlet, the audience hears the

fiendish plot of Claudius and Lartes. Both are

determined to see Hamlet dead. Moments later, Hamlet

responds to news of the Kings great wager and his own

impending duel with Lartes by saying, [] how ill

alls here about my heart (V.ii. 186).

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Key Terms

Melodrama

This nineteenth century view of drama appeals

to the emotions. Based on stock characterswho are either villainous or virtuous, thesesensational plays have happy endings.

Like many contemporary television shows,

melodramas feature static characters who dealwith the world but fail to experience realgrowth, development, or insight.

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Key Terms

Realism

Realistic drama deals frankly with social

issues and contemporary life. Instead offocusing on the lives of kings or great heroes,

these dramas present a look at ordinary people

and everyday problems.

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Key Terms

Effects of Realism

Realism requires a shift away from painted

backdrops and scenery.

The result is the box set which utilizes three,

more or less, solid walls. The fourth wall

remains open to the audience.

Sets are decorated with real furniture.

New methods make changing scenery faster.

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Key Terms

Naturalism

Like realism, naturalism developed in

response to the sentimental and sensationalmelodramas that were popular in the

nineteenth century.

Using realistic plots, naturalism explores the

forces that influence the human condition.

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Key Terms

Satire

The term satire refers to social criticism that is

cloaked in comedy and used to ridicule socialinstitutions and figureheads.

Farce

The term farce refers to comedy that lapsesinto ludicrous, improbable plots, mockery, andeven slapstick.

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Plot

The overall storyline and sequence of

events is known as the plot.

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Elements of Plot

Expositionintroduces the characters,

setting and basic situation.

Rising actionpresents the central conflict,complications, suspense and crisis.

Climaxthe point of greatest tension.

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Elements of Plot

Falling actionsubsiding intensity.

Denouementthe resolution which ties up

loose ends and concludes the action.

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Reading Drama

Pay particular attention to the overall plot.

What are the major conflicts or issues?

When does the climax occur?

What force or forces seem to be at work in the

play, moving the action along?

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Pay close attention tocharacters.

Who are the central

characters? What do you know

about theirpersonalities? How doyou know thisinformation?

What are thecharacters strengthsand weaknesses?

Photo credit: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams. Cornell

Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts.

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Recognizing the Theme

Most written works have a central theme

and several additional themes.

Try to identify the central theme.

Back up your interpretation with

examples from the text.

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If possible, watch a

production of the play

youve been reading.How does the

production correspond

to your reading? How

does it differ?

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The Theater, Enjoy!

From The Shakespeare ReviewAn English Music Hall look at Shakespeare