This document discusses the five key elements of drama: plot, conflict, setting, character, and theme. It provides definitions and examples of each element. For plot, it explains the typical sequence of events in a drama from exposition to climax to resolution. It also discusses internal and external conflict. For setting, it notes that the time and place where the drama occurs can provide insights. Characterization is explored through physical traits, actions, perspectives and opinions. The roles of protagonist and antagonist are also introduced. Finally, theme is defined as the central idea or message of the drama.

1. Sec 1 Express

2.  Have an understanding of the 5 elements of
drama
 Recall ‘The Dentist’ and be able to make
connections between what you learn today,
and what you have read
 Be able to use these 5 elements to develop a
deeper understanding of A Villa on Venus and
Zeep!

3.  There are many possible definitions of drama:
Ancient Greek word meaning ‘act’ or ‘deed’

4. An ancient art form with
origins that are beyond
human record.

5. It may have developed out of important rituals having
to do with:
•Sewing and reaping crops
•Fertility rituals
•Burial rituals

6. But what we are mainly
interested in is drama in the
classroom:
So, for us,
1. Drama is a genre of literature.
(Genre: a particular type or
form)
2. Its basic medium is spoken
language.
(Medium: the material or
technique an artist works with.)

7. Drama shows human actions in such a way
that we gain a deeper understanding of the
human experience (what it means to be
human)

8. 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
P_____t
C________t
S_______g
C__________r
Th_______
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Plot
Conflict
Setting
Character
Theme

9.  Sequence of events that makes up the whole story
 Structure:
Climax
Conflict
starts to
develop
Exposition
Characters and
setting are
introduced
Main struggle between
‘good’ and ‘evil’. Often
contains most of the action
Loose ends are
tied up. Action
slows down
Resolution
All mystery is solved,
things go back to normal

10.  Identify the 5 parts of a typical play in ‘The
Dentist’
 Look at the middle section of the play in
particular – what events and actions make it
exciting?
 Dentist hits man with hammer
 Dentist reveals that it is his first time extracting
teeth
 Woman starts to lose it
 Man and woman run away!

11.  Main struggle between two opposing forces
 Two main types:
 Internal Conflict
 External Conflict

12.  Internal Conflict
 External Conflict
Struggles the character
faces within himself
Conflict that occurs
between characters

13.  External Conflict
 When do we see characters clashing with one
another?
 Clue: Look out for moments of disagreement,
characters getting upset, verbal/physical fights

14. • Refers to the time and place the play is set in
• e.g. Environment (physical characteristics of the
surrounding) in which characters live
• Where the action takes place!
• Starts with being just a physical location with
identifiable qualities
• But can often reveal insights about characters and
their relationships

15. • We will analyse setting
in greater depth in
Zeep!

16.  We can learn about characters in many ways,
including:
 Physical traits
 Actions
 Perspectives
 Opinions

17.  Physical traits:
 What does the character look like?
 Hair
 Facial expressions
 Clothing
 Accessories

18.  Actions:
 What does the character do in the story?
 E.g. The ‘Dentist’ and all his “crazy” actions

19.  Perspectives:
 What does the character say in the story?
 How does he say it?
 Analyse the diction (choice
of words)
 Imagine his tone of voice –
Angry? Happy? Hesitant?
 Any words that are
repeated in his speech?

20.  Opinions:
 What do other characters say or think about the
character?
 Is this true based on evidence from the rest of the
play?
 Remember that thoughts and emotions are
revealed in characters’ speech
 Recall the Man and Woman’s judgment of the
character of the ‘Dentist’ (“He’s absolutely crazy,
completely mad”)

21.  Opinions:
 Are characters being sincere? Do they really mean
what they say about each other?
 Sometimes straightforward, but other times you
have to ‘read between the lines’

22.  Protagonist:
 Main character
 Story revolves around his
experiences
 We usually identify, empathise with
him
 Who is this in ‘The Dentist’?

23.  Antagonist:
 Main character who deceives, frustrates,
opposes, or works against the protagonist
 The main ‘enemy’

24.  The central idea or message
 Could be a comment on human values
 Or an interpretation of life
 There can be more than one theme in a drama,
although this usually depends on the length of the play

25.  In your Literature exercise books, copy this
question down:
What did you like/dislike about the plot OR
characters in the play ‘The Dentist‘?
 Choose either PLOT or CHARACTER
 Answer with at least 3 reasons, in complete
sentences
 Each reason should include a term or concept
you have learnt from today’s lesson