Drama elements

List as many elements of Drama as you know.

Relies on the development of suspense throughout a performance. Closely linked with timing.

• tension

• focus

• movement

• rhythm

The overall feeling or tone of the performance. Can be created through lighting, movement, setting etc.

• mood

• symbol

• place

• character

Includes hand gestures, facial expressions, changing levels and helps to define the character.

• mood

• symbol

• contrast

• movement

The setting of your performance.

All dramatic action occurs in 'something' and time.

• focus

• movement

• character

• place

Directing attention to specific characters, roles, objects or ideas.

Assists the actor in the portrayal of believable characters.

• Tension

• Focus

• Mood

• Contrast

This dramatic element refers to the effective use of available 'something' in a performance. Different levels of 'something' are utilised by the performer, such as sitting, bending over, lying down or crawling.

• Symbol

• Focus

• Movement

• Space

There is a clear difference in scenes. For example, a happy scene followed by a sad scene.

• Time

• Rythm

• Contrast

• Movement

Often used in drama to deepen the meaning. It is used to represent something, someone or a place.

Example: Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games (three fingers)

• Symbol

• Movement

• Language

• Character

Refers to the pace of movement, speech and gestures. Established through the character's speech, setting, stage directions.

• Tension

• Focus

• Time

• Movement