Have you ever been so moved by a dramatic piece that you couldn't help but feel deeply? Have you ever been curious about how actors and playwrights can create such powerful reactions in their audiences? The answer lies in the utilization of specific stylistic devices, props, and techniques, known as dramatic terms and devices.
Dramatic terms are specialized terminology used in the world of drama to describe the devices that evoke certain effects, depict character types, and shape the plot structure. While some literary terms may be shared with other forms of literature, there are specific terms unique to theatre that are worth learning in order to gain a deeper appreciation of this genre.
Though some dramatic terms, like irony and satire, may also appear in other literary works, they are most commonly associated with plays. As a distinct art form, drama employs a vast range of terminology specific to the theatre world, and understanding these terms can enhance your understanding of the playwright's intentions.
In the realm of drama, there are three primary categories of dramatic terms: literary elements, technical elements, and performance elements.
Literary elements in drama overlap with those found in other literary forms, such as novels and poems. Examples include plot structure, rising and falling action, conflict, theme, and language. Techniques like satire, parody, and irony also fall under this category in drama.
Technical elements in drama refer to the behind-the-scenes production aspects, such as stage design, scenery, costumes, lighting, and sound. Even elements like make-up and hair play significant roles in bringing a play to life and may have their own designated specialists.
The performance aspects of drama encompass acting, speech, physicality, and non-verbal gestures. Actors use these elements to create different effects and connect with the audience, sometimes breaking the "fourth wall" and speaking directly to them.
To gain a better understanding of how drama utilizes its terminology, let's delve into a few key dramatic terms in more detail.
The acting space refers to the stage or performance area where actors enact a play. It allows for movement and ensures that actors remain visible to the audience.
In drama, action refers to the sense of progression within a play, similar to plot development. This can be achieved through the development of characters and unfolding events.
The apron in theatre refers to the space between the front edge of the stage and the curtain.
An area stage, akin to theatre in-the-round, is a type of stage where the audience surrounds the performance space, with no separation between the stage and the audience.
When an actor addresses the audience, revealing something unbeknownst to other characters, it is called an aside. This technique is similar to the use of a narrator in a novel.
To adlib is to improvise, using lines and actions not found in the original script.
Originating from Aristotle's Poetics (around 335 BC), blocking refers to the movement and positioning of actors on stage to achieve a desired effect or enhance the performance.
Derived from Aristotle's theory of tragedy, catharsis describes the intense emotional release that an audience experiences after watching a dramatic performance.
Also known as the climax, the denouement is the point in the plot where a crucial element is revealed or explained, often leading to a resolution.
The world of theatre has its own set of technical terms that are essential to understand for those interested in this art form. From the dialogue between characters to the structure of a play, here are some commonly used terms that can help you deepen your knowledge of theatre.
Dialogue is a crucial component of a play, as it is the spoken conversation between characters. It serves as a powerful tool for advancing the plot, developing characters, and providing insight into their relationships.
The exposition is a critical element in a play that sets the scene for the audience. It introduces the main themes, key characters, and the contextual background of the story.
Freytag's Pyramid is a plot structure depicted by a triangular diagram, outlining the progression of a story. It breaks down the plot into key elements such as the rising action, falling action, and resolution.
The imaginary "wall" between actors and the audience is known as the fourth wall. Breaking the fourth wall occurs when an actor directly addresses the audience, creating a connection between them.
The falling action is a crucial part of Freytag's Pyramid, encompassing the events that lead to the play's resolution or denouement.
Improvisation, a performance without a script, is a valuable tool for creating well-rounded characters. This technique has its own genre in theatre, much like how jazz is associated with improvisation in music.
Leitmotiv, the repetition of words, images, or phrases, adds a sense of rhythm and emphasis to a play.
Mimes are actors who convey emotions and thoughts through movement rather than words.
Monologues, solo speeches delivered by one actor, offer a platform for characters to express themselves. They can be short or long and can be delivered in the presence or absence of other actors.
Performance elements encompass all aspects of an actor's on-stage performance, including gestures, speech, and acting skills.
The creator of a play is known as the playwright, often considered the theatre equivalent of a novelist.
The opening speech of a play that introduces the story's themes is known as a prologue.
The slope of a stage floor, also known as the rake, can vary to create different visual effects.
The resolution is the final part of a play that resolves the conflict and brings it to a close.
Rhetorical devices, such as language and subject matter, are used to sway the audience's thoughts and opinions. Characters may employ these techniques to influence other characters or the audience.
The rising action, a critical part of Freytag's Pyramid, comprises a series of events that lead to the play's dramatic climax.
Scenes, shorter sections of a play that often take place in one location and time, serve as the building blocks of an act. Changes between scenes are marked by a curtain fall, blackout, or actors exiting the stage.
Scenery, also known as background props, helps set the environmental context and atmosphere for a play.
A playwright's written version of a play is known as the script, and actors learn their lines from it.
Soliloquies offer a window into a character's innermost thoughts and are always performed by a lone actor on stage. They help develop characters and drive the plot forward. A famous example is Macbeth's soliloquy by William Shakespeare.
In theatre, tableau refers to when actors freeze in a dramatic pose, similar to a freeze-frame in movies.
Tempo, the pace, cadence, and rhythm of a play, plays a crucial role in creating its overall tone and atmosphere.
Tragedy, a genre that originated in Ancient Greece and was popularized by Shakespeare, often features a protagonist known as the tragic hero. According to Aristotle, it evokes feelings of "terror and pity" in the audience.
The tragic hero, the main character in a tragedy, is often portrayed as a victim of destiny. They tend to be ethical or moral characters who suffer due to a character flaw, judgment error, or social pressure.
If you're a theater enthusiast, you know that dramatic terminology is a crucial aspect of the theatrical world. These terms encompass various devices that enhance the portrayal of characters, develop plotlines, and create a dynamic stage presence. To help you navigate this complex glossary, we have divided it into three categories: literary, technical, and performance terms. While some overlap may exist with literary terminology, many dramatic terms are unique to the world of plays and theater.
One of the most commonly used devices in plays is dramatic irony. This literary technique creates tension and suspense by giving the audience knowledge that the characters on stage are unaware of. It often leads to unexpected plot twists and adds depth to the overall experience.
While there are similarities between the literary elements found in plays, novels, and poems, there are also dramatic terms that are exclusive to the theatrical world. For example, dialogue, monologue, and soliloquy are essential components of a play that help to convey emotion, drive the narrative, and establish character development.
Originating in ancient Greece, tragedy is a popular form of drama that focuses on the downfall of a tragic hero. These plays often explore themes of fate and destiny, and were first analyzed by Aristotle in his influential work Poetics (circa 335 BC).
There are numerous types of drama, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal. Some of the most well-known forms include tragedy, farce, opera, comedy, tragi-comedy, melodrama, and musicals. Each type has its own set of dramatic terms and devices that contribute to its overall effect.
Familiarizing yourself with the various dramatic terms used in theater is essential for fully appreciating this art form. Whether it's the use of dramatic irony to create tension or the exploration of different types of drama, these terms play a crucial role in bringing a production to life and captivating audiences. Whether you're a seasoned theater lover or simply curious about the world of drama, understanding these key concepts can enhance your overall experience and appreciation.
