Stage Directions and Dialogue

The Diary of Anne Frank

The Play

Drama Elements

By Carmen Garcia

Elements of Drama

A drama is a story written to be performed by actors before an audience. The script of a dramatic work, or play, includes dialogue and often stage directions. Dialogue refers to the conversation between characters. Stage directions are the instructions written by the playwright to describe the appearance and actions of the characters as well as the sets, props, costumes, sound effects, and lighting.

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Fill in the Blanks

Multiple Select

The items on stage that are used to compliment the narration of the play.

*Select ALL that apply.

• Props

• Costumes

• Lighting

• Sound effects

Multiple Choice

Dialogue refers to...

• a major unit of a drama

• a conversation between characters

• a subdivision of an act in a drama

• an instruction written by the playwright that may describe the set, a sound effect, the lighting, or the appearance or actions of a character

A drama may be divided into acts. An act is a major unit of a drama, or play. A play may be divided into several acts. Many modern plays have one, two, or three acts. Acts may be further divided into scenes. Each scene takes place in a specific setting and time. A new scene may indicate a change in location or the passage of time.

Multiple Choice

An act is...

• a major unit of a drama

• a conversation between characters

• a subdivision of an act in a drama

• an instruction written by the playwright that may describe the set, a sound effect, the lighting, or the appearance or actions of a character

Multiple Select

This dramatic element may indicate a change in place and time. Select all that apply:

• Props

• Scene

• Act

• Dialogue

Multiple Choice

Based on the stage directions in line 25, the reader can conclude that—

• Anne joins Mr. Frank onstage

• Mr. Frank is reading Anne’s words.

• Anne’s voice is louder than Mr. Frank’s.

• Mr. Frank is remembering something Anne said.

Multiple Choice

Act I of the play opens with Mr. Frank and his life after the war. Based on the stage directions in paragraph 26, the reader can conclude that—

• Mr. Frank will not appear again in Act I.

• The first act has concluded.

• The rest of Act I will most likely feature Anne telling her own story.

• Mr. Frank stops reading the diary.