Drama Terms Flashcards
intentional lead up to nothing
Anticlimax
a central character in a story, movie, or drama who lacks conventional heroic attributes, such as idealism, courage, and morality. Often motivated by self-interest.
Antihero
comment made by a character (usually in a play) that is only intended for the audience or just another character. Creates dramatic irony.
Aside
post WWII designation for particular plays where normal conventions and dramatic structure are ignored or modified. Existentialism. No clear plot.
Theatre of the Absurd
discovery that produces a change from ignorance to knowledge
Character Recognition
relief from emotional tension
Comic relief
when a seemingly unsolvable problem in a story is suddenly and/or abruptly resolved by an unexpected and unlikely occurrence. “God from the machine”
Deus Ex Machina
character who changes throughout the story and is different at the end. (Ex: Anakin)
Dynamic Character
character with lack of depth and dimension. Only one or two features (ex: Evil Stepmother)
Flat Character
multi-dimensional character
Round Character
character who doesn’t undergo changes
Static Character
funny play. Typically have a buffoon type character who gets into crazy scenarios.
Farce
character whose purpose is to draw comparisons to another character (usually the protagonist). Often highlights weaknesses. Characters don’t need to oppose each other.
Foil
dropped into the middle of a story
In Media Res
one person speaking; usually a long, tedious speech
Monologue
one character (alone on stage) speaking to audience
Soliloquy
two separate plots that relate to each other through a character, event, or theme.
Parallel Plots/Sub Plot
turning point in a novel ( ex : Oedipus finds out about parents, Luke realizes Vader is his dad)
Plot Reversal
dialogue in which two characters speak alternate lines of verse, used as a stylistic device in ancient Greek drama.
Stichomythia
fictional character in a novel, play, or work of art that the audience recognizes from frequent reoccurrences in a particular literary tradition. Archetypes
Stock Character
makes fun of or parodies something serious that happens.
Travesty
when the audience knows something the characters don’t. Builds tension
Dramatic Irony
plays written during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign.
Elizabethan Drama
imaginary wall between characters and audience. Audience can see into the “wall,” but characters don’t.
The Fourth Wall
