Dramatic Devices

Question 1

Basically the speaking of the actors throughout the play

Answer 1

Dialogue

Question 2

Usually italicized and put within brackets scattered throughout the text.

Answer 2

Stage Directions

Question 3

A playwright will often describe the placement of furniture; the size, shape and color of the props, even the style and the color of the costumes worn by the character. Basically the background and where the story takes place.

Answer 3

Setting

Question 4

The use of irony, sarcasm, and ridicule. Or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc. It is usually a mockery on trivial issues or people

Answer 4

Satire

Question 5

Used in order to interpret the satire in a play. A mocking tone. It’s a way for the playwright to make fun of a character and their faults and how the mood of the play is set.

Answer 5

Satirical Tone

Question 6

Refers to the way the play is put together, the sequencing and pacing of the action.

Answer 6

Dramatic Form

Question 7

Must be placed so the audience quickly develops interest in the characters and situation of the play.

Answer 7

Action

Question 8

The main structure of the play, the sequence of the events in the play, following a basic structure.

Answer 8

Plot

Question 9

A secondary arrangement of incidents involving secondary characters who are involved in a situation posing dramatic questions.

Answer 9

Subplot

Question 10

The section that begins the play, introducing the characters and providing background information.

Answer 10

Exposition

Question 11

The incident that provides the starting point for the main action in the play. The problem is presented to see what needs to be solved quickly.

Answer 11

Dramatic Incitement

Question 12

The question that must be answered.

Answer 12

Dramatic Question

Question 13

Usually forms the main action of the play. The characters respond to the dramatic incitement and other developments that may stem from it. Can also be referred to as conflict, trigger or rising action

Answer 13

Complication

Question 14

Occurs late into the play, and is the moment where the dramatic question is answered. The turning point for the main character.

Answer 14

Climax/Crisis

Question 15

The final section of the play where things are worked out and a conclusion is reached.

Answer 15

Resolution/Denouement

Question 16

A serious play dramatizing the disastrous downfall of its main characters.

Answer 16

Tragedy

Question 17

Crucial for tragedies. Allows the audience to vent out their emotions and achieve purification for the audience. This is done by presenting incidents that arouse fear and pity.

Answer 17

Catharsis

Question 18

Excessive pride or self confidence, the tragic flaw of the main character.

Answer 18

Hubris

Question 19

A source of harm or ruin brought on an individual who deserves it by the gods. It cannot be overcome or beaten.

Answer 19

Divine retribution/nemesis

Question 20

Is a play chiefly to amuse and entertain the audience members by allowing them to feel a sense of superiority over the characters. Usually represents common human problems and always ends with a happy ending.

Answer 20

Comedy

Question 21

A play that combines the elements of tragedy and comedy. The play provides a happy ending to a potentially tragic story or it may contain serious or light moods.

Answer 21

Tragicomedy

Question 22

A form of sensational drama that became popular in the 1800s and is often seen in TV and movies today. Provides audience with an exaggerated but simplistic conflict and one-dimensional characters.

Answer 22

Melodrama

Question 23

Has an enormous impact on the audience’s understanding of the characters, moods and overall play.

Answer 23

Language

Question 24

Elevated and detailed language

Answer 24

Formal Language

Question 25

A type of language using slang and colloquialisms, employing the conventions of spoken language. A casual figure of speech

Answer 25

Informal Language

Question 26

A variety of a language distinguished from other varieties of the same language by features of phonology, grammar and vocabulary. Comes through differences in geography, society, culture, education, etc. An accent.

Answer 26

Dialect

Question 27

The ordinary form of spoken or written language, without metrical structure, is distinguished from poetry of verse. Most common choice for a playwright.

Answer 27

Prose

Question 28

A succession of metrical feet written, printed or orally composed as one line; one of the lines in a poem. Can be used for dramatic effect.

Answer 28

Verse

Question 29

How quickly or slowly a line is delivered. The flow of the overall play and creates tension for the climax.

Answer 29

Pace

Question 30

The emotion given when dialogue is spoken.

Answer 30

Tone

Question 31

A stage whisper or behind-the-hand comment. May be directed towards another character or the audience. Tends to be short single sentences and sometimes used for comedic effect.

Answer 31

Aside

Question 32

Provides audience with a character’s inner thoughts and feeling which is presented through a character’s LONG SPEECH ALONE ON STAGE.

Answer 32

Soliloquy

Question 33

When the audience knows more than what the characters know.

Answer 33

Dramatic Irony

Question 34

The unity of action, place and time.

Answer 34

The Unities

Question 35

The audience reads into the meaning that is not directly stated.

Answer 35

Inference

Question 36

The final dress rehearsal requiring complete memorization, and all resources.

Answer 36

Full Production

Question 37

How the characters plan to move on stage (see also: stage direction).

Answer 37

Blocking

Question 38

Tragic Resolution

Answer 38

Catastrophe

Question 39

Performer(s) who stand outside the action and comment on the events/characters in the play, often hinting at the doom to come and stressing the fatalistic aspect of the hero’s downfall (narrators).

Answer 39

Chorus

Question 40

Fatal error in judgement or weakness of a character, that leads directly to that character’s downfall.

Answer 40

Tragic Flaw

Question 41

A light, mildly humorous scene, following a serious one.

Answer 41

Comic Relief

Question 42

Main character in a tragedy, generally a person of high social status, who comes to an unhappy end.

Answer 42

Tragic Hero

Question 43

When the Unities are messed up or not in accordance with each other.

Answer 43

Anachronism