Shakespearean Drama Terms

A remark that one character makes to the other that others on the stage are not meant to hear that is clarified by a stage direction

• tragedy

• soliloquy

• aside

• allusion

A light, mildly humorous scene before or after a serious one used to cut the tension or intensity of the action

• comic relief

• dramatic irony

• tragedy

• character flaw

The tragic hero usually fails or dies because of this.

• comic relief

• dramatic irony

• character flaw

• antagonist

The main character that comes to an unhappy or miserable end. Generally is a person of importance/nobility and has extraordinary abilities and a tragic flaw that leads to his/her downfall.

• tragic hero

• antagonist

• soliloquy

• character flaw

A speech that a character makes while alone on the stage that gives the audience insight into the character's thoughts and feelings

• comic relief

• soliloquy

• tragedy

• antagonist

A drama that ends in catastrophe for the main characters

• soliloquy

• comic relief

• aside

• tragedy

A situation in a play in which the audience knows something the character does not

• character flaw

• allusion

• dramatic irony

• comic relief

The force working against the protagonist

• antagonist

• soliloquy

• protagonist

• character flaw

A protagonist, or central character, who falls or dies because of a tragic character flaw or cruel twist of fate.

• Foil

• Blank verse

• Aside

• Tragic hero

A character's remark that others on stage do not hear

• tragedy

• soliloquy

• aside

• allusion