Shakespeare Vocabulary

consists of acting, directing, costumes, makeup, scenery, props, music, lighting and other visual effects, and sound effects

• drama

• stage directions

• staging

• tragedy

conversation between two or more characters

• soliloquy

• monologue

• dialogue

• aside

a long, uninterrupted speech by one character to which other characters listen

• soliloquy

• monologue

• dialogue

• aside

a brief comment made by one character that is not meant to be heard by other characters

• soliloquy

• monologue

• dialogue

• aside

when the reader or audience is aware of an important truth that a character does not know

• characterization

• character motivation

• dramatic irony

• theme

a work in which the main character comes to an unhappy end, usually death and/or destruction

• tragic hero

• drama

• sonnet

• tragedy

instructions in the text of the play, provides instructions for putting on the play

• drama

• stage directions

• staging

• tragedy

a longer speech in which a character reveals true thoughts or feelings, unheard by other characters

• soliloquy

• monologue

• dialogue

• aside

writing performed by actors playing the characters

• drama

• sonnet

• dialogue

• aside

the protagonist in a tragedy, experiences a tragic downfall

• tragic hero

• characterization

• tragic flaw

• tragedy