DRAMA TERMS
ACT
A major unit in a play
(similar to a chapter in a
book)
SCENE
A smaller division of an act
STAGE DIRECTIONS
The italicized instructions in a play
Describe the setting, suggest the
use of props, lighting, scenery,
sound effects and costumes
TRAGEDY
A dramatic work that presents the
downfall of a dignified character who
is involved in historically, morally or
socially significant events.
TRAGIC FLAW
A trait that leads a
character to his/her
downfall
MONOLOGUE
A long, uninterrupted
speech that is spoken in the
presence of other characters
SOLILOQUY
A single character alone on stage
thinking out loud
A way of letting the audience know
what is on the character’s mind
ASIDE
Words that are spoken by a character
in a play to the audience or to another
character but that are not supposed to
be overheard by the others onstage
A way for characters to tell a secret
FOIL
A character whose traits
contrast with those of another
FORESHADOWING
Lines that give hints or
clues to future events
IRONY
How a person, situation,
statement or is not as it would
actually seem
ELEMENTS OF A SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDY
Exposition
Rising action with exciting force
Climax
Falling Action
Catastrophe
