Elements of Drama

How is drama different from other kinds of fiction?

• Drama can have only one setting. Other kinds of fiction can have many settings.

• Drama has a plot. Other kinds of fiction use monologues instead of plots.

• Drama has more characters than other kinds of fiction.

• Drama is written to be performed by actors for an audience.

What is the primary purpose of drama?

• to help readers visualize the text

• to allow actors to perform in front of a live audience

• to tell a compelling story

• to tell stories from the past

Which of the following elements are unique to drama?

• characters, stage directions, scenes

• conflict, setting, characters

• stage directions, scenes, monologue

• dialogue, plot, setting

What is the difference between dialogue and monologue?

• Dialogue is conversation between two or more characters. In a monologue, one character speaks alone.

• Monologue is conversation between two characters. Dialogue is conversation between three or more characters.

• Dialogue is conversation between two or more characters. Monologues appear only in novels.

• Dialogue is conversation between only two characters. In a monologue, one character speaks alone.

Why does a playwright include stage directions in a script?

• to provide information about the time period in which a play is set

• to provide information about how the dialogue in a play should be spoken

• to provide information about how the play should look to the audience

• to provide information about the setting, characters, dialogue, and appearance of a play

Which element of fiction is being described?

The beach was warm and breezy; perfect for flying kites.

• setting

• character

Which element of fiction is being described?

Terri was furious. She'd planned out her whole summer. But now she had to get a job.

• dialogue

• conflict

Match the element to the example

MARIA [alone on stage]: How can I be such a coward! I am so ashamed of myself. I deserve to lose Henry's love . . . .

• aside

• monologue

• soliloquy

• scene

Match the element to the example.

LEE: [pacing while SAM stares in silence]: I have finally found it. After all these years, I have found eternal youth. I will be rich! And young again! Youth, sweet youth . . . .

• monologue

• soliloquy

• aside

• scene