Elements of Drama

a protagonist with a fatal flaw which eventually leads to his demise

italicized comments that identify parts of the setting or the use of props or costumes, give further information about a character, or provide background information

a list of characters presented before the action begins

a division within a play, much like chapters of a novel

a character who is nearly opposite of another character; the purpose is to reveal a stark contrast between the two characters

a serious work of drama in which the hero suffers catastrophe or serious misfortune, usually because of his own actions

thoughts spoken aloud by a character when he/she is alone, or thinks he/she is alone on stage

when the audience knows something that the characters in the story do not know

a long speech spoken by a character to himself, another character, or to the audience while in the presence of other characters

a humorous work of drama that ends happily for the protagonist, often in marriage