Elements of Drama 1/8-1/9
Directions
 On page 1R copy everything that is
highlighted in red/blue (if it is inside a
red/blue box then copy it!)
While drama is similar to typical
fiction, it isn’t quite the same.
Some dramatic elements are:
shared with fiction
unique to drama
While drama is similar to typical
fiction, it isn’t quite the same.
Some dramatic elements are:
shared with fiction
unique to drama
In some ways, drama is very similar
to fiction.
Characters
Climax
Conflict
Resolution
Plot
Dialogue
While drama is similar to typical
fiction, it isn’t quite the same.
Some dramatic elements are:
shared with fiction
unique to drama
Several elements are unique to
drama - we’ll start with divisions.
Acts
Each play has one
or more acts - think
of them as parts or
sections.
Scenes
Each act has several
scenes - think of
them as chapters.
Several elements are unique to
drama - including the script.
Dialogue
The words
characters say
Stage Directions
Notes telling how the
work is to be
performed or staged
- they are often
printed in italics and
set off in brackets.
In addition to regular dialogue, drama features
dramatic speech - use at least one of these in
your scene!
Monologue
A character speaks at length to
silent listeners
Soliloquy
A character alone on stage
reveals private thoughts (talks
to himself)
Aside
A character briefly addresses
the audience - the other
characters on stage don’t hear.
Example Clips
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgTssbf
Ju3Y (wolfpack speech, The Hangover)
Example: Monologue
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46Y1ww
57r4Y (Aside-Ferris Bueller’s Day Off)
Several elements are unique to
drama - some involve objects.
Sets
The constructions
indicating where a
scene takes place sets may include
painted backdrops,
etc.
Props
Moveable objects
that actors use
onstage - anything
that they carry!
Identify all props/what the set looks
like!
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6b2Xh
XkPpg
 What kind of mood/tone is created? How
does the director/set designer create
these?
 How does the dialogue influence the
mood?
 Based on the clip, what do you think the
theme of the piece may be? How does the
set design help establish theme?
All these dramatic elements combine to create
a dramatic effect and to convey a theme.
Acts
Scenes
Script
Dramatic effect
Dialogue
Stage directions
Sets
Props
Theme
Your Turn: Drama Unit Project
Due: 2/11-2/15
 You will break into groups of no more than
5 people.
 Each group must choose: actors, a
playwright, a director, a set designer, and a
narrator (some groups may have people
with many roles)
 Part 1: You will be assigned two chapters.
You must read your chapters and produce
an analysis (I will give further instructions)
Project Cont’d
 Part 2: You will be responsible for adapting
(turning) the chapters into a play. The
playwright will complete the script (with all
stage directions) with the help of the “cast”.
 You will create a set design and eventually
perform your play to the class for a grade.
The play must include all important events
from your chapter (no made up/fictional
information: PLEASE STICK TO THE
STORY!)
Roles
 Director- You will be responsible for making
sure the actors know how to say their lines
as well as where to move/go and when. It
is up to you to create your vision of the
play.
 Actors- You are the ones on the “stage”.
You must become your character and
create a one page detailed character
analysis.
Cont’d
 Playwright- You are the person responsible
for taking the information in the chapters
and creating a script with dialogue and
stage directions. You are writing the show!
 Set Designer/Costumes- You are
responsible for designing both the
costumes and set. How will you create your
vision. You must complete drawings of both
the set and costumes.