Dramatic Conventions 12th Grade, Class of 2020

background information about the characters/circumstances--opening scene at the train station

excessive pride or self-confidence in a tragic hero --Alfred Ill not aware of earlier actions

what is said is opposite of what is meant e.g. mayor distorting truth to make Claire look good

tragic death of the hero that comes as the natural outgrowth of the action

recurring subject e.g. portrayal of Claire as Greek Fate/sorceress, Claire's artificial limbs

The acting area including the position of actors on stage, the scenic background, the props and costumes, and lighting

the character STATES the message about life--Claire states her money will buy justice

The purposeful movement of characters; deciding where and when actors will move on stage e.g. where Claire is positioned

way a playwright uses props, sound, constructing scenery, lighting, costumes; skill or experience in writing or staging

a play filled with ridiculous or absurd happenings, puns, non sequiturs, exaggerated language

an act or device intended to deceive--townspeople dismiss Ill's concerns

a TRAGEDY that includes COMIC elements and ends happily

humorous scene to lighten mood; Act III Claire in wedding dress after Ill's nervous breakdown

focuses on distancing the audience to make them aware they are watching a play critically

the hidden meaning lying behind dialogue in the play (symbolic language, ironic language)

audience has no emotional attachment w/ characters-critically view morality (alienation effect)

imaginary wall of box theater, supposedly removed to allow the audience to see the action.

tragic flaw which causes a character's downfall e.g. Ill's downfall - cruel behavior years ago

actors movements; deciding where and when actors will move-Claire balcony watching Alfred below

recognizable stereotypical character e.g. fool/clown, sorceress, teacher, priest, mayor, etc.

reader INFERS universal insight--we infer that through deceit citizens justify their actions

a comedy filled with ridiculous or absurd happenings; improbable & exaggerated

a literary work which ends HAPPILY because the hero or heroine is able to overcome obstacles

skill or experience in writing or staging plays.: dialogue, props, music, sound, constructing scenery, etc.

starts part for the major action in the drama e.g. Claire offers to pay a billion for murder

emotional purging bringing about relief from tension-not really developed in absurdist theatre

theatre depicting human existence with no meaning or purpose

outcome/solution; unraveling of plot; final part of play e.g. after Ill's death, a celebration

point of uncertainty & tension—turning point; Ill recognizes his fate, nervous breakdown

audience understands situation but not all character(s)-audience sees town justifying actions

the acting area-position of actors on stage, scenic background, the props & costumes, lighting

intensification of the conflict play-complication builds up, accumulates, and develops conflict

outcome different from what was expected-teacher talks of morality but changes mind suddenly

a SERIOUS form of drama dealing with the downfall of a heroic or noble character