Drama Key Terms

A play in which a hero suffers a major downfall. Usually involves deaths of major characters.

The purging of the emotions or relieving of emotional tensions.

Writing that is intended to be performed.

The resolution; end of the conflict and story; loose ends are explained, conflicts resolved.

A physical situation that contradicts what is expected.

A character who provides contrast and ultimately highlights another character in a play/story.

Focal character(s) in a narrative.

A major division of the narrative indicated by a capital Roman numeral.

Words spoken by an actor directly to the audience, which are not heard by other characters.

A long speech in a play that is given as if alone. Referred to as "true thoughts".

Articles or objects used on stage during a play.

A conversation between characters in the performance of a play.

A long speech by a single character spoken to other characters without their response.

A horizontal group of words indicated by a numeral

The character(s) in novel who opposes the protagonist.

A recurring idea, concept, or symbol in a work meant to develop a theme or message.

The psychological reason behind a character's actions and behaviors

Suggestions for performing a play. They are not intended to be read aloud.

An introductory section of a literary work.

A subdivision of the staging indicated by a lower-case Roman numeral.

When what is meant is the opposite of what is said.

When the audience or reader knows more than what the characters know

A play in where characters experience a reversal of fortune, usually for the better.

Stage movement to include position and physical action on stage.

A play based on true events.