What are the major differences
between drama and prose stories?
CCS-5-RL-5
Explain major differences between drama and prose
stories, and refer to the structural elements of drama
(e.g. cast of characters, setting descriptions, dialogue,
stage directions, acts, scenes) when writing or speaking
about specific works of dramatic literature
Prose
 “the ordinary form of spoken or written language,
without metrical structure, as distinguished from poetry
or verse.”
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/prose
 A story or book that is not a play or poem
 Examples
Drama
 “a composition in prose or verse presenting in dialogue or
pantomime a story involving conflict or contrast of character,
esp. one intended to be acted on the stage; a play.”
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/drama
 The art of composing, writing, acting, or producing plays; a
literary composition intended to portray life or character or
enact a story, usually involving conflicts and emotions
exhibited through action and dialogue, designed for theatrical
performance
2nd Ed. KET Arts Toolkit Drama Glossary
 View examples
2nd Ed. KET Arts Toolkit Drama
Elements of Drama
 Literary
 Technical
 Performance
2nd Ed. KET Arts Toolkit Drama
Literary Elements
 Script
 Story line (plot)
 Character
 Story organization (beginning, middle, end)
 Setting
 Dialogue
 Monologue
 Conflict
2nd Ed. KET Arts Toolkit Drama
It’s all in the script!
Technical Elements
 Scenery (set)
 Costumes
 Props
 Sound and Music
 Lighting
 Make-up
It’s the pizzazz!
2nd Ed. KET Arts Toolkit Drama
Performance Elements
 Acting
 how speaking, moving help to create characters
 Speaking
 vocal expression, projection, speaking style, diction
 Nonverbal expression
 gestures, facial expression, movement
2nd Ed. KET Arts Toolkit Drama
Everything the
characters do!
What are the major differences
between drama and prose stories?
 With a partner, visit an Interactive Venn Diagram -
http://classtools.net/education-games-php/venn_intro/
 Complete the Venn Diagram to compare and contrast
drama and prose stories.
 Save the completed project as “Student 1 Name – and Student 2 Name Drama vs Prose stories”
(Ex. Shari and John Drama vs Prose stories)
 Save as a webpage, print final copy and email to teacher
Review Drama vs. Prose
 http://www.eng.umu.se/lughnasa/differen.htm
 Create whole-class Venn Diagram Comparing &
Contrasting Drama and Prose stories http://classtools.net/education-games-php/venn_intro/
Read Aloud
 “Anansi” by Gerald McDermott
 Caldecott Honor Book
 Prose or Drama?
 Prose – It is a folk tale.
View
 “Anansi’s Rescue from the River”
http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAss
etId=B313F647-B02B-4477-B12B679D671D8D74&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US
 Prose or Drama?
 Drama - Storytelling is a form of drama.
Act
 Copy scripts and assign parts to “Anansi’s Rescue from the
River”
 Students act out script
2nd Ed. KET Arts Toolkit Drama
Review What are the major differences
between drama and prose stories?