Drama Notes

1. Drama Notes January 4, 2009

2. Drama Notes • The Stage • Directions left and right are oriented from the point of view of the actors • Downstage right is at the front of the stage on the actor’s right • Downstage left is at the front of the stage on the actor’s left • Downstage center is at the front and center of the stage. • Draw the stage and directions here.

3. Drama Notes • Actor—person whose function it is to communicate words and emotions to an audience. • Exposition—the introduction of the setting and the characters. • Rising Action– series of events leading up to the climax, usually covers more than one act.

4. Drama Notes • Falling Action– series of events following the climax; t6he conflict is the essence of the play; mos6t events go against the protagonist. • Climax– the highest point of action in the p lay; change in the protagonist who seems to be foll9iwng a downward path. • Moment of Final Suspense– near the end of the play, it begins to look as if things will go the way of the protagonist afterall.

5. Drama Notes Act– a subdivision of the play Monologue– a single person speaking alone on the stage—with or without an audience. Pun– a joke that comes from a play on words Foil– a character whose qualities contrast with those of another character’s Comedy– a dramatic work often light and humorous in tone.

6. Drama Notes History– a dramatic work based on a actual historical event or person. Scene– A subdivision of an act. Antagonist– the character who opposes or competes with the leading character. Prop – part of the stage furnishings, objects, etc. Theme– important central idea presented by the play Plot– the chain of events that make up the play.