DRAMA LITERARY TERMS BY TESL JUNE 2020 INTAKE IPGKTB

DRAMA LITERARY TERMS BY TESL JUNE 2020 INTAKE IPGKTB

1. DRAMADRAMADRAMA
LITERARYLITERARYLITERARY
TERMSTERMSTERMS
TESL 1 JUNE 2020 INTAKE IPGKTB

2. DIALOGUE
A dialogue is a literary technique in which writers employ two or more
characters engaged in conversation with each other.
Writers utilize dialogue as a means to demonstrate communication between
two characters.
As a current literary device, dialogue refers to spoken lines by characters in a
story that serve many functions such as adding context to a narrative,
establishing voice and tone, or setting forth conflict.
https://literarydevices.net/dialogue/

3. GESTURE
A gesture is an expressive movement of the body, or something that is said or
done to show a feeling or emotion.
For example, the wagging admonitory finger accompanying words like 'I have
told you time and time again that this behaviour is unacceptable'.
https://www.yourdictionary.com/gesture
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zg8tgk7/revision/4

4. Hubris is character trait that features excessive pride or inflated self-confidence
Leading a protagonist to disregard a divine warning or violate an important moral law
Blinding them to reason and resulting in their ultimate downfall.
For example, in Aesop’s fable The Tortoise and the Hare, the hare (protagonist)
exhibits hubris before and during the race with the tortoise resulting in its failure
Difference Between Hubris and Pride:
Positive: Pride: healthy self-esteem, self-evaluation, and self-confidencea.
Negative: Hubris: low internal self-esteem, arrogance, egotism, aggression,
disagreeableness, and shame
b.
https://literarydevices.net/hubris/
HUBRIS

5. PROSCENIUM ARCH
A proscenium arch describes the frame that surrounds a stage space, separating the
audience from the stage. This helps to create a fourth wall, which is particularly
appropriate for naturalistic productions.
In a proscenium arch theatre, the audience directly faces the stage, which is typically
raised several feet above the front row audience and views only one side of the scene.
It can be considered as a social construct which divides the actors and their stage-
world from the audience which has come to witness it.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zjwp2sg/revision/
https://www.carshaltonboys.org/_site/data/files/files/curriculum/year%209%20resource
s/Drama/E62B79979593372CA4AC042B215E471F.pdf

6. PROLOGUE
Prologue is a piece of writing found in the beginning of a literary work, contributing
as an introduction section of a play, story or a literature work.
Prologue gives the readers a sneak peek of the story or the play, and helps the
reader to choose whether they want to start reading the story or not.
Prologue is used to introduce the characters, set the stage, provides the
background details and few important events.
https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-prologue-and-epilogue.html
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-what-is-a-prologue#what-is-a-
prologue

7. Props are the items held or used by actors onstage to make the action more realistic.
Props are one of the essence of a play as they speak a profound message to the
audience.
In practical terms, a prop is considered to be anything movable or portable on a stage
or a set, distinct from the actors, scenery, costumes, and electrical equipment.
Type of props: Prop weapons, Stunt props, Hero props, Prop money.
Set and Props - Drama medium - GCSE Drama Revision - BBC Bitesize. (2021). BBC
Bitesize. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zyr7fg8/revision/7
Harris, Margaret (1975). "Introduction". In Motley (ed.). Theatre Props. New York: Drama
Book Specialists/Publishers. p. 7. ISBN 0-910482-66-7.
PROPS

8. Backdrop is the scenery behind the actors in a play; important element in drama
production because it provides setting to the drama. The audience will easily
understand the flow of the narration with the setting suits with the story.
https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/backdrop#:~:text=A%20backdrop%20is%
20the%20scenery,mood%20for%20a%20musical%20performance.
BACKDROP

9. SUSPENSION OF DISBELIEF
The audience accepts and believes that the plot or characters are incredible and true,
even if it appears impossible. This is generally done so that the audience can appreciate
works of literature or theatre that explore uncommon themes.
Example: The director of the film Ratatouille made it clear from the start that a rat could
be a chef. However, he still had to cope with Remy the rat talking with Linquini the human
is ridiculous. Even if you believe that a rat can be a chef, inter-species verbal
communication is beyond belief. The director effectively handled this problem by having
the rat invent its own hair-pulling language. The audience understands this is ridiculous,
but it is not as ridiculous as believing rats can communicate with people.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspend%20%28one%27s%29%20disbelief
https://www.awn.com/blog/willing-suspension-disbelief

10. In any play, the act serves as a guide of the production.
Act is the major part of a play and consists of a collection of different scenes,
which may run for a long time.
There are three act structure and five act structure.
https://www.storyboardthat.com/articles/e/five-act-structure
http://www.differencebetween.net/language/words-language/difference-
between-scene-and-act/
ACT

11. SCENE
A scene is a section of a story that has its own unique combination of setting,
character, dialogue, and sphere of activity.
It usually begins with the entrance of an actor (which starts the action) and ends with
the exit of the actor (the signal of the end of action).
Changing location is not the only way to make a scene end. In fact, writers could craft
an entire series of scenes in that one location, simply by shifting characters or the
course of action.
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-the-perfect-scene#what-is-a-
scene
http://www.differencebetWhat Is a Scene? 8 Elements of Scene
Writingween.net/language/words-language/difference-between-scene-and-act/

12. DICTION
Diction refers to the author's choice of words or vocabulary, as well as the aesthetic
arrangement of these words, and can help develop a particular voice and style in literature.
A literary character’s ideals, morals, and attitudes are represented by the words connected
with them.
For the reader, diction can create an image of a character’s outside appearance along with
one’s inner state of mind.
Formal, informal, colloquial, slang, pedantic, abstract, concrete and poetic are the common
types of diction.
https://literarydevices.net/diction/
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-diction-learn-8-different-types-of-diction-
in-writing-with-examples#quiz-0

13. DRAMATIC IRONY
Dramatic irony is when the audience seems to know more about an event, a situation,
or a conversation than the characters do.
Oftentimes, this understanding leads to an element of suspense because we know the
character(s) will learn the truth eventually – but we don't know when or how.
When the audience knows something the characters don’t, tension is created
In all of these stories, the truth is revealed – but the tension that’s created by
concealing the “secret” is what drives the story.
For example, in Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows that Juliet is only asleep-not
dead-but Romeo does not, and he kills himself.
https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-dramatic-irony-definition-examples/
https://www.softschools.com/examples/grammar/dramatic_irony_examples/462/

14. ASIDE
A short remark/comment made by a character in the play directly towards the audience
or privately to another character on stage but not heard by other characters in the play.
It is often used to reveal inner thought, feelings or judgments.
An effective aside increases the dramatic irony in a story. The disconnect between what
audiences know and what other characters know makes the audience feel tension,
which makes the story more suspenseful.
https://www.k12reader.com/term/aside/
https://study.com/academy/lesson/aside-literary-term-definition-examples.html
https://examples.yourdictionary.com/aside-definition-and-famous-examples-in-
literature.html

15. BLOCKING
Blocking is the theater term for the actors’ movements on the stage during the performance of
the play or the musical.
In contemporary theatre, the director usually determines blocking during the rehearsal, telling
actors where they should stand for the proper dramatic effect, ensure sight lines for the
audience and work with the lighting design of the scene.
Effective blocking is what helps to reflect the behaviour and attitudes of characters, the
relationships between characters and also contributes to conveying the mood of the play.
The process of ‘blocking’ is essentially an act of choreography, where every action is motivated
by something the characters think, feel, want, or need.
https://www.thoughtco.com/blocking-a-play-2713052
https://pragueyouththeatre.wordpress.com/2018/11/15/blocking-a-play-the-beginners-guide/
https://www.cityacting.co.uk/blogs/news/blocking-in-theatre-and-films

16. CATHARSIS
Catharsis is a greek word that can be defined as “to purify” or “to clean” or “to get emotional release”.
In literature, it refers to an emotional release for the characters in a literary work, or an emotional
release for the audience of the work.
Catharsis is a term in dramatic art that describes the effect of tragedy on the audience.
The emotional release that characters or the audience experience during the catharsis can lead to a
sense of forgiveness and renewal.
For example: A man who killed someone in a drunk driving incident experiences catharsis by
volunteering in a children's shelter.
The purpose of catharsis is to bring about some form of positive change in the individual's life.
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-catharsis-2794968
https://www.softschools.com/examples/grammar/catharsis_examples/213/
https://www.slideshare.net/maitrimunjpara/the-literary-term-catharsis

17. CHORUS
Provide commentary on actions and events that were taking place before the
audience: the chorus would create a deeper and more meaningful connection
between the characters and the audience.
Allow the playwright to create a kind of literary complexity only achievable by a
literary device controlling the atmosphere and expectations of the audience.
Allow the playwright to prepare the audience for certain key moments in the
storyline, build up momentum or slow down the tempo.
http://krishaamer.com/function-chorus-greek-drama/
https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-function-chorus-drama-267408

18. COMIC RELIEF
Even in an intense, dramatic movie, you can find moments of humor. Maybe a
character is facing an impossible epic quest, but makes witty comments to
lighten the mood. Or maybe two characters are suffering through a difficult
divorce, but one of them cracks a joke to cut the tension. It’s just like in real life
– we often make jokes to ease the burden of difficult circumstances. In
storytelling, this is called comic relief.
https://literaryterms.net/comic-relief/

19. SOLILOQUY
A soliloquy is a speech that an actor gives while he or she is alone onstage and
allows for the audience to hear the character’s innermost thoughts.
By having the character express his or her innermost thoughts, it allows for the
audience to gain insight as well as build suspense because the audience experiences
the conflict with the character.
Example: In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Juliet, gives a soliloquy before
she consumes the sleeping potion given to her by the Friar. Her speech is
considered a soliloquy because it is given alone onstage. This allows for the
audience to understand the fear that consumes her while she decides whether or
not to drink the potion.
https://writingexplained.org/grammar-dictionary/soliloquy

20. FORESHADOWING
Foreshadowing gives the audience hints or signs about the future. It suggests what is to
come through imagery, language, and/or symbolism. It does not directly give away the
outcome, but rather, insinuates it.
Foreshadowing can be so subtle that it goes unnoticed, often until after the foreshadowed
event comes to pass.
Often foreshadowing serves to increase the sense of mystery rather than dispel it, by
suggesting that some event might occur but not how it will come to pass.
Foreshadowing is a useful tool for writers because it helps prepare readers for later
scenes, builds a sense of suspense, and makes a work seem to have tied up "loose ends."
https://literaryterms.net/foreshadowing/
https://www.litcharts.com/literary-devices-and-terms/foreshadowing

21. SUBPLOT
Subplot is a side plot/story which differs from the main plot, yet it is important
in adding important information into the main story.
For example in Romeo and Juliet, the subplot is the rivalry relationship between
the two families which are the Montagues and the Capulets. This subplot acts
to increase the conflict to the main plot (forbidden relationship between Romeo
and Juliet).
https://literarydevices.net/subplot/

22. MONOLOGUE
Monologue is a long speech made by one person that prevents anyone else
from talking.
It involves one character speaking to another.
Monologue is when the character vocalises his thoughts.
https://examples.yourdictionary.com/monologue-examples.html
https://literaryterms.net/monologue/

23. TRAGIC HERO
A type of character in a tragedy who is usually the protagonist.
Tragic heroes do have heroic qualities that arouse sympathy from the audience, but
they also have flaws or make mistakes that ultimately lead to their own downfall.
A tragic hero is a character who represents the consequences of having one or more
personal flaws or being doomed by fate.
For example: Romeo is a tragic hero in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. His reckless
love, which makes him a compelling character, also directly leads to the tragedy of his
death.
https://www.litcharts.com/literary-devices-and-terms/tragic-hero
https://literarydevices.net/tragic-hero/

24. STAGE DIRECTION
Stage directions are the instructions or guides written in the script that provide vital
information, signaling actors to react accordingly such as how or when to enter, where to
stand, when to move, also information about the lighting, scenery, props, and sound
effects.
For example, stage directions may tell an actor to pace while delivering their lines, to pick
up a prop at a certain moment, or to sit down while listening to another character speak.
It helps to elicit or provoke tension, humor, or emotion, engaging audiences and adding
versimilitude to the scenes and characters.
https://www.dailyactor.com/stage-directions/
https://www.juicyenglish.com/blog/stage-directions-in-plays

25. SATIRE/ SATYR
Satire is a genre that sets out to improve bad behaviour through sarcasm and
irony. For example, a novel entitled “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll
satirizes the corrupt political and judicial system of Victorian England.
Satire is a woodland creature depicted as having the pointed ears, legs, and
short horns of a goat and a fondness for unrestrained revelry.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwvFybhud10&t=27s
https://www.yourdictionary.com/satyr

26. FLAT CHARACTER
A flat character is a fictional character who does not alter much from the beginning to
the finish of the play. Flat characters are frequently accused of lacking emotional depth.
The role of flat characters is to support the main character. Throughout the storyline,
they do not experience significant growth or transformation. They have distinguishing
features that make them appear stereotyped. They're frequently referred to as one- or
two-dimensional characters since they usually have only one viewpoint or point of view
on life, things, or occurrences.
They contribute harmony, tranquilly, and comedy to the story.
Example, Benvolio from Romeo and Juliet (by William Shakespeare).
https://literarydevices.net/flat-character/

27. STATIC CHARACTER
Static character is a character that remains “static” over the course of a story;
they do not undergo change, they keep up with the same characteristics such
as personality, demeanour, and appearance) for the beginning until the end of
the story.
Many static characters are complex, interesting, and round.
Sherlock Holmes is a static character as he persists with his witty and confident
attitude albeit going through a manifold of serious conflicts.
https://www.litcharts.com/literary-devices-and-terms/static-character
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/dynamic-characters-vs-static-
characters#3-examples-of-static-characters

28. STOCK CHARACTER
Stock character is a stereotypical character who is easily recognisable to the
audience.
Stock characters represent a certain group or culture.
They are not focused or developed in the story.
For example, a mean stepmother and a loyal servant.
https://www.britannica.com/art/stock-character
https://study.com/academy/lesson/stock-character-definition-examples.html

29. ROUND CHARACTER
Round characters are complex yet interesting characters with deep emotions
and personalities which make them an asset of the story. They often undergo
personal development throughout the story but they are not necessarily a
dynamic character (face huge changes in life).
In simpler words, this character is relatable to the audience as they bring the
characteristics of a normal human being.
https://blog.reedsy.com/round-character/

30. DYNAMIC CHARACTER
A character who undergoes significant internal change throughout the course of
a story (a life event, conflict, or other transition).
The character who learns a lesson or changes as a person (either for better or
for worse).
Most main characters and major characters in stories are dynamic.
Tend to be characters who are central to the story, such as the protagonist.
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/dynamic-characters-vs-static-
characters#what-is-a-dynamic-character
https://plotboilers.com/2015/06/30/how-to-use-static-and-dynamic-
characters-in-your-novel/

31. THEATRE OF THE ABSURD
The theatre of the absurd was a short-lived yet significant theatrical movement,
centred in Paris in the 1950s.
Common elements included illogical plots inhabited by characters who appeared
out of harmony with their own existence.
Theatre of the absurd is otherwise referred to as absurdism.
Anti-realistic；going against many of the accepted norms of conventional theatre
with the sense of being illogical, absurd, repetitive, amorphous, chaotic, lacking of
order, etc...
https://thedramateacher.com/theatre-of-the-absurd-conventions/