Elements of Drama

1. Elements of Drama Plot, Exposition, Stage Directions, Character, Conflict, Dialogue, Soliloquy, Monologue, Aside

2. Plot & Exposition • Plot is the sequence of events in a play, generally including rising action, a climax and a resolution • Exposition is the introductory material which presents the characters, conflict, setting, and tone of the play – where these are "exposed" or revealed.. • Stage Directions are the instructions to the actors, director, and stage crew.

3. Character: Protagonist & Antagonist • A Character is an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction. • A Protagonist is the main character in a play around whom most of the action is based. • An Antagonist is the character, force, or collection of forces in fiction or drama that opposes the protagonist.

4. Conflict • Conflict is the main issue to be resolved in the story – something that the protagonist wants but is having trouble getting, usually because of the antagonist. • Internal Conflict: a problem within, inside the character. • External Conflict: a problem without, outside the character.

5. Dialogue • Dialogue is the conversation between two or more characters that advances the action. • Monologue is the long speech given by one character to the other characters on stage. • Soliloquy is a speech in which a character, usually alone speaks his or her thoughts aloud. • An Aside is a part spoken by a character so that the audience or some characters can hear them, but other characters cannot.