Drama Terms

Prologue

• An introductory section of a play, speech, or literary work.

• A concluding section that summarizes the main points.

• A character's monologue revealing their thoughts.

• A dramatic conflict between two characters.

Foil

• A character who supports the protagonist's goals and values.

• A character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities of the other character.

• A character who serves as a mentor to the protagonist.

• A character who is the main antagonist in the story.

Tragedy

• A genre of play dealing with comic events and having a happy ending.

• A genre of play dealing with tragic events and having an unhappy ending, especially one concerning the downfall of the main character.

• A type of poetry that celebrates heroic deeds and noble characters.

• A narrative that focuses on the everyday life of common people.

Scene

• A subdivision of an act that changes for a new time or location

• A type of character in a play

• A specific type of dialogue

• A setting where the story takes place

Stage Directions

• Instructions in the script of a play, indicating movement, position, or tone of an actor, or the sound effects and lighting.

• A type of dialogue that reveals a character's thoughts and feelings.

• A section of the play that describes the setting and background information.

• A list of characters and their roles in the play.

Comedy

• A genre of play characterized by its humorous or satirical tone and its happy ending.

• A type of drama that focuses on serious themes and tragic outcomes.

• A form of storytelling that emphasizes moral lessons and ethical dilemmas.

• A narrative style that explores the complexities of human relationships.

Script

• The written text of a play, film, or broadcast.

• A type of computer program.

• A handwritten document.

• A set of instructions for a game.

Monologue

• A short dialogue between two characters in a play.

• A long speech by one actor in a play or film, or as part of a theatrical or broadcast program.

• A musical number performed by a group of actors.

• A scene where multiple characters interact simultaneously.

Aside

• A type of dialogue spoken to the audience that is not heard by other characters in the play.

• A character's internal thoughts that are not expressed aloud.

• A scene in a play where characters interact with the audience directly.

• A dramatic pause in the dialogue.

Act

• A major section of a play

• A type of musical composition

• A legal document

• A performance by an actor