Elements of Drama

1. 1. DRAMA<br />Its Elements<br />

2. 2. DRAMA<br /> Drama is a composition in prose form that presents a story entirely told in
dialogue and action and written with the intention of its eventual performance before an
audience.<br />
3. 3. DRAMA<br />Drama has a two-fold nature: LITERATURE and THEATRE.<br />
4. 4. THEATRE<br />
5. 5. ELEMENTS OF DRAMA<br />
6. 6. SETTING<br />Setting identifies the time and place in which the events occur. It consists
of the historical period, the moment, day and season in which the incidents take place. It also
includes the sceneries in the performance which are usually found in the preliminary
descriptions.<br />
7. 7. CHARACTERS<br />Characters are the people in the play and thus considered as the
principal material in a drama.<br />
8. 8. Character Aspects<br />Physical<br />Social<br />Physical identifies peripheral facts such
as age, sexual category, size, race and color. It deals with external attributes which may be
envisaged from the description of the playwright or deduced from what the characters say or
what other characters verbalize about his appearance.<br />Social embraces all aspects that
can be gleaned from the character’s world or environment as exemplified by the economic
status, occupation or trade, creed, familial affiliation of the characters.<br />
9. 9. Character Aspects<br />Psychological<br />Moral<br />Psychological discloses the inner
mechanism of the mind of the character as exemplified by his habitual responses, attitudes,
longings, purposes, likes and dislikes. It is considered as the most indispensable level of
character categorization because routines and emotions, thoughts, attitude and behavior
enable the readers to know the character intrinsically.<br />Moral discloses the decisions of
the characters, either socially acceptable or not, exposing their intentions, thus projecting
what is upright or not.<br />
10. 10. PLOT<br />Plot lays out the series of events that form the entirety of the play. It serves
as a structural framework which brings the events to a cohesive form and sense.<br />
11. 11. Types of Plot<br />Natural Plot<br />Episodic Plot<br />Natural Plot is a chronological
sequence of events arrangement where actions continuously take place as an end result of
the previous action<br />Episodic Plot – each episode independently comprises a setting,
climax, and resolution; therefore, a full story in itself is formed.<br />
12. 12. Framework of a Plot<br />Beginning<br />Middle<br />Ending<br />
13. 13. Beginningidentifies information about the place, such as geographical location, social,
cultural, political background or period when the event took place.<br />Exposition<br
/>Exposition is the point where the playwright commences his story. It reveals the identity of
story’s initial crisis.<br />
14. 14. Middleis composed of a series of difficulties:<br />Complications<br />Crisis<br
/>Complications bring changes and alterations in the movement of the action which take
place when discovery of novel information, unexpected alteration of plan, choosing between
two courses of action or preface of new ideas are revealed. <br />Crisis reveals the peak of
anticipation in the series of incidents.<br />
15. 15. Middleis composed of a series of difficulties:<br />Obligatory Scene<br />Discovery<br
/>Obligatory Scene identifies the open collision between two opposing characters or
forces.<br />Discovery discloses points which are previously unknown, characterized as
something mysterious, strange, unfamiliar and thus revealed through objects, persons, facts,
values, or self-discovered.<br />
 16. 16. Endingis the final major component of the story which brings the condition back to its
stability. This part brings satisfaction to the audience which extends to the final curtain as
peace is completely restored.<br />
17. 17. THEME<br />Theme is considered as the unifying element that defines the dramatized
idea of the play. It is the over-all sense or implication of the action. It defines the problem,
emphasizes the ethical judgment and suggest attitude or course of action that eliminates the
crisis is an acceptable way.<br />
18. 18. STYLE<br />Style refers to the mode of expression or presentation of the play which
points out the playwright’s position or viewpoint in life.<br />
19. 19. Major Dramatic Attitude<br />Realism<br />Non-realism<br />Realism is an accurate
detailed, and life-like description in a play where things are presented as real as can be set
in actual life, with dialogues sounding like day-to-day conversation.<br />Non-realism is
method of presentation identified as something stylized or theatricalized whereby artist uses
his feral imagination in projecting his ideas.<br />
20. 20. GENRES OF DRAMA<br />
21. 21. TRAGEDY<br />Tragedy is a type of drama that shows the downfall and destruction of a
noble or outstanding person, traditionally one who possesses a character weakness called a
tragic flaw. The tragic hero, through choice or circumstance, is caught up in a sequence of
events that inevitably results in disaster.<br />
22. 22. COMEDY<br />Comedy is a type of drama intended to interest and amuse the audience
rather than make them deeply concerned about events that happen. The characters
overcome some difficulties, but they always overcome their ill fortune and find happiness in
the end.<br />
23. 23. TRAGICOMEDY<br />Tragicomedy is a play that does not adhere strictly to the structure
of tragedy. This is usually serious play that also has some of the qualities of comedy. It
arouses thought even with laughter.<br />
24. 24. FARCE<br />Farce is a play that brings laughter for the sake of laughter, usually making
use grossly embellished events and characters. It has very swift movements, has ridiculous
situations, and does not stimulate thought. <br />
25. 25. MELODRAMA<br />Melodrama shows events that follow each other rapidly, but seems
to be governed always by chance. The characters are victims in the hands of merciless fate.
<br />

Elements of drama
1. 1. Rozi Khan GPGJC Swat
2. 2. <ul><li>Elements of Drama: The elements of drama, by which dramatic works can be
analyzed and evaluated, can be categorized into three major areas: </li></ul><ul><li>literary
elements </li></ul><ul><ul><li>technical elements </li></ul></ul><ul><li>performance
elements </li></ul>Rozi Khan GPGJC Swat
3. 3. Literary Elements <ul><li>Plot: the series of events that take place in a play. There are 6
stages in a plot structure : </li></ul><ul><li>Initial incident </li></ul><ul><li>Preliminary event
</li></ul><ul><li>Rising action </li></ul><ul><li>Climax </li></ul><ul><li>Falling action
</li></ul><ul><li>Denouement or Conclusion </li></ul>Rozi Khan GPGJC Swat
4. 4. <ul><li>Character: a person portrayed in a drama, novel, or other artistic piece.
</li></ul><ul><li>Exposition: is the “who, when, where and what” part of the play.
</li></ul><ul><li>Story organization: beginning, middle, end </li></ul><ul><li>Conflict: the
internal or external struggle between opposing forces, ideas, or interests that creates
dramatic tension. </li></ul><ul><li>Suspense: a feeling of uncertainty as to the outcome,
used to build interest and excitement on the part of the audience. </li></ul>Rozi Khan
GPGJC Swat Literary Elements
5. 5. <ul><li>Theme: the basic idea of a play; the idea, point of view, or perception that binds
together a work of art. </li></ul><ul><li>Language : in drama, the particular manner of verbal
expression, the diction or style of writing, or the speech or phrasing that suggests a class or
profession or type of character. </li></ul><ul><li>Style: the shaping of dramatic material,
settings, or costumes in a deliberately realistic or nonrealistic manner. </li></ul>Rozi Khan
GPGJC Swat Literary Elements
6. 6. <ul><li>Dialogue: the speeches of characters, usually, of more then one character on
stage. </li></ul><ul><li>Monologue : a long speech made by one actor; a monologue may be
delivered alone or in the presence of others. </li></ul><ul><li>Soliloquy : a speech by a
single actor who is ALONE on stage </li></ul>Rozi Khan GPGJC Swat Literary Elements
7. 7. Technical Elements <ul><li>Scenery (set): the theatrical equipment, such as
</li></ul><ul><li>curtains, flats, backdrops, or platforms, used in a </li></ul><ul><li>dramatic
production to communicate surroundings. </li></ul><ul><li>Costumes: clothing's, masks and
accessories worn by actors to portray character and period. </li></ul><ul><li>Props: short for
properties; any article, except costume or scenery, used as part of a dramatic production;
any moveable object that appears on stage during a performance, from a telephone to a
train. </li></ul>Rozi Khan GPGJC Swat
8. 8. <ul><li>Lights: the placement, intensity, and color of lights to help communicate
environment, mood, or feeling </li></ul><ul><li>Sound: the effects an audience hears during
</li></ul><ul><li>performance to communicate character, context, or environment
</li></ul><ul><li>Makeup: costumes, wigs, and body paint used to transform an actor into a
character. </li></ul>Technical Elements Rozi Khan GPGJC Swat
9. 9. Performance Elements <ul><li>Acting: the use of face, body, and voice to portray
character </li></ul><ul><li>Character motivation: the cause or reasons for a character’s
behavior; an incentive or inducement for further action for a character
</li></ul><ul><li>Character analysis: in responding to dramatic art, the process of examining
how the elements of drama—literary, technical, and performance—are used
</li></ul><ul><li>empathy: the capacity to relate to the feelings of another. </li></ul>Rozi
Khan GPGJC Swat
10. 10. <ul><li>Verbal Expressions: </li></ul><ul><li>Speaking: the mode of expression or
delivery of lines </li></ul><ul><li>Breath control: proper use of the lungs and diaphragm
muscle for maximum capacity and efficiency of breath for speaking </li></ul><ul><li>Vocal
expression: how an actor uses his or her voice to convey character
</li></ul><ul><li>Inflection: change in pitch or loudness of the voice.
</li></ul><ul><li>Projection: how well the voice carries to the audience
</li></ul><ul><li>Speaking style: the mode of expression or delivery of lines
</li></ul><ul><li>Diction: selection and pronunciation of words; clarity of speech.
</li></ul>Performance Elements Rozi Khan GPGJC Swat
11. 11. <ul><li>Nonverbal expression: </li></ul><ul><li>Gestures : any movement of the actor’s
head, shoulder, arm, hand, leg, or foot to convey meaning </li></ul><ul><li>Body alignment:
physiologically correct posture and use of the body to ensure the maximum capacity and
efficiency of breathing and movement </li></ul><ul><li>Facial expression: physical and vocal
aspects used by an actor to convey mood, feeling, or personality </li></ul><ul><li>Character
blocking: the path formed by the actor’s movement on stage, usually determined by the
director with assistance from the actor and often written down in a script using commonly
accepted theatrical symbols </li></ul><ul><li>Movement: stage blocking or the movements
of the actors onstage during performance; also refers to the action of the play as it moves
from event to event.

1. 1. Elements of Drama
2. 2. A play is a story acted out, live and onstage.
3. 3.  Like the plot of a story, the plot of a drama follows a rising-and-falling structure. Climax
tension at highest point Complications tension builds Resolution conflict is settled, play ends
Exposition conflict is introduced
4. 4. Aristotle Aristotle (384-322 BC) was a Greek philosopher whose writings still influence us
today. He was the first to write about the essential elements of drama more than 2,000 years
ago. While ideas have changed slightly over the years, we still discuss Aristotle's list when
talking about what makes the best drama.
5. 5. Aristotle considered these six things to be essential to good drama:  Plot  Theme 
Characters  Dialogue  Music/Rhythm  Spectacle
6. 6. Modern Theater The list of essential elements in modern theater is as follows: •
Characters • Plot • Theme • Dialogue • Convention • Genre • Audience
7. 7. Three Major Elements  Literary elements  Technical elements  Performance elements
8. 8. Literary Elements Exposition: “who, when, where and what” Initial incident: “gets the
story going”  Preliminary event: Whatever takes place BEFORE the action Conflict:
struggle between opposing forces, ideas, or interests Climax: The turning point or high point
of a story. Suspense: A feeling of uncertainty as to the outcome, used to build interest and
excitement on the part of the audience Rising action: following the initial incident and
leading up to the dramatic climax Falling action: The series of events following the climax
Denouement: Sudden drop
9. 9. Technical Elements Scenery (set): theatrical equipment used in a dramatic production
Costumes: Clothing and accessories worn by actors Props: Short for properties Lights: to
help communicate environment, mood, or feeling Sound: The effects an audience hears
during performance Makeup: Costumes, wigs, and body paint used.
10. 10. Performance Elements  Acting: Use of face, body, and voice to portray character 
Character analysis: examining how the elements of drama are used  Empathy: The
capacity to relate to the feelings of another  Speaking: The mode of expression or delivery
of lines  Breath control: Proper use of the lungs and diaphragm muscle.  Vocal expression:
How an actor uses his or her voice  Inflection: Change in pitch or loudness of the voice. 
Projection: How well the voice carries to the audience  Speaking style: The mode of
expression or delivery of lines  Diction: Selection and pronunciation of words; clarity of
speech.  Gestures: movement of the actor’s body to convey meaning  Facial expression:
Physical and vocal aspects used by an actor
11. 11. The World Is an Apple By: Alberto Florentino
12. 12. Plot Mario and Gloria has no money to buy food for their daughter. Mario lost his job for
stealing an apple. Falsely figuring out the situation as misfortune he left his wife and
daughter, went back to his partner in crime Pablo and did crimes again to have money.
Character     Mario – the man who lost his job. Gloria – wife Pablo – the crime buddy of
Mario. Tita – daughter Exposition  Mario enters from the street at left. He is in the late
twenties shabbily dressed and with hair that seems to have been uncut for weeks. Gloria
greeted him and then Mario asked about the condition of their child
13. 13. Setting  House – two wooden boxes flank the doorway. At left is an Acacia tree with
wooden bench under it. Conflict  Man vs. Self - Internal Conflict Rising Action  Mario
started to elaborate his reasons why he doesn’t have money. Climax  Mario confessed that
he lost his job because of stealing an apple
14. 14. Falling Action  Mario revealed the reason why he stole an apple and that he’s planning
to apply as a night watchman in a company. Denouement  Gloria comes up him after he
finishes and tries to hug him, but he pushes her away. Suddenly confused, he sits on the
steps. Gloria sits beside him and plays with his hands. Suddenly unnerved, Mario starts to
fidget . Gloria rises and walks to the center, her eyes burning with hate and then she saw
Pablo. Resolution  Mario decides to get a "job" working with his old criminal friend Pablo.
He is going back to a life of thievery.
 15. 15. Mood  Sad, angry, bad, gloomy etc. Tone  Acerbic, sarcastic, snarky etc. Symbolism 
Apple - symbol of Original Sin in Christian art and literature. Genre  Drama
16. 16. Dialogue Lines of Mario:  “when I saw this apple roll out of the broken crate, I thought
that Tita would love to have it.”  “All right, so I didn’t go drinking.”  “I thought I could get
another, without making you worry.” Lines of Gloria:  “I’m glad you’re home early”  “My
God! Wasn’t I thinking of her? Why do you think I need some money? To buy me a pretty
dress? Or see a movie?”  “I knew God wouldn’t let us down. He never lets anybody down.
I’ll pray tonight and ask Him to let you have that job.”
17. 17. Theme It is man’s basic instinct that drives him towards his survival. But, no matter what,
he should not forget that society expects him to conform to its norms. One’s action is
weighed right or wrong and thus should be kept towards the proper action and how wrong
decisions become greater burdens to a family.

The types of drama

1. 1. In a strict sense, plays are classified as being either tragedies or comedies.The broad
difference between the two is in the ending.  Comedies end happily.  Tragedies end on an
unhappy note.
2. 2. The tragedy acts as a purge. It arouses our pity for the stricken one and our terror that
we ourselves may be struck down.As the play closes we are washed clean of these
emotions and we feel better for the experience.
3. 3. A classical tragedy tells of a high and noble person who falls because of a "tragic flaw,"
a weakness in his own character.A domestic tragedy concerns the lives of ordinary people
brought low by circumstances beyond their control.Domestic tragedy may be realistic
seemingly true to life or naturalistic realistic and on the seamy side of life.
4. 4. A romantic comedy is a love story. The main characters are lovers; the secondary
characters are comic. In the end the lovers are always united.Farce is comedy at its
broadest. Much fun and horseplay enliven the action.The comedy of manners, or artificial
comedy, is subtle, witty, and often mocking.
5. 5. Sentimental comedy mixes sentimental emotion with its humor.Melodrama has a plot
filled with pathos and menacing threats by a villain, but it does include comic relief and has a
happy ending. It depends upon physical action rather than upon character probing.
6. 6. Tragic or comic, the action of the play comes from conflict of characters how the stage
people react to each other. These reactions make the play.