presentation pdf

1. LIT100
Introduction to Literature
Elements of Drama

2. What is Drama?
A play script is written to be performed.

3. What is Drama?
•Drama shows rather than tells.
•Drama is objective in the sense
that the author is hidden.

4. What is Drama?
Dialogue is a basic
element of drama
Action & conflict are
also crucial aspects.

5. Plays Vs. Other Literature Forms
There is an enormous difference between a play and
any other form of literature. A play is not really a
piece of literature for reading. A true play is literature
that walks and talks before our eyes. The text of the
play is meant to be translated into sights, sounds and
actions which occur literally and physically on a
stage.
(from Boulton’s “Literature that Walks”)

6. Language of Drama
A Play is written in Dialogue
An imitation of
ordinary conversation
A verbal exchange
between more than one
speaker on stage
Reflects the interaction
between different
points of view
Dramatic
Dialogue
When a character on
stage speaks to himself
A dramatic convention
that introduces the
audience to the inner
feelings of a character
Monologue
/ Soliloquy

7. Language of Drama
Stage Directions
• They are part of the play’s script
• Instructions to the actors/ directors regarding scenery,
lighting, music, sound effects , and the way for actors to
move and speak
• Included in italics/ between parentheses

8. Stage Directions

9. Stage Directions & Dialogues
Dialogue and stage directions
play an important role
in reflecting the characters,
themes and conflicts of a
work.

10. Themes
The underlying meaning or main idea of the
play.

11. Plot
It is the arrangement of the events that take
place in the story.

12. Components of the Plot

13. Conflict
The dramatic struggle
between two forces

14. Types of Conflict

15. Internal Conflict
Individual vs Self
(Should I / Shouldn’t I –
Right/Wrong)

16. External Conflict

17. Characters
Major or Minor
Dynamic or Static
Round or Flat

18. Setting
The events of a story have to
take place in a certain time and
place.

19. Function of the Setting
• A background to the events
• Reveal something about themes/ characters
• Illustrate social class and occupation
• Set mood and atmosphere

20. Important Literary Tools
• Symbols
• Motifs
• Irony
• Epiphany