Dramatic Elements

Question 1

Climax

Answer 1

The most significant moment of tension or conflict in drama, often occurring towards the end of a plot. Multiple Climaxes or anti Climaxes can occur. The action of drama usually unravels after the climax has transpired but the work might finish with a climatic moment.

Question 2

Conflict

Answer 2

Conflict usually occurs when a character can not reach an objective due to an obstacle. This obstacle may be internal or external - between characters or between characters and their environment. Conflict can be shown in a variety of ways, for example through physical, verbal, or psychological means. Conflict can be embedded in the structure of drama.

Question 3

Contrast

Answer 3

Contrast presents the dissimilar or opposite in order to highlight or emphasise difference. Contrast can be explored in many ways and can include contrasting characters, settings, times, themes, elements, stagecraft, and performance styles.

Question 4

Mood

Answer 4

Mood is the overall feeling or emotion that a performance can evoke. this may be achieved through manipulation of acting, conventions or stage craft.

Question 5

Rhythm

Answer 5

Rhythm is a regular pattern of sounds, words, or actions. Performances can also have their own rhythm that can be influenced by the emotional nature of the plot, the pace of line delivery, the pace of scene transitions, and the length of scenes and dialogue within them.

Question 6

Sound

Answer 6

Sound is created by the performer through the possible use of voice, body percussion and objects to create an effect in performance and enhance meaning. Sound may include silence or the deliberate absence of sound.

Question 7

Space

Answer 7

Space involves the way the actor uses the performance area to communicate meaning, to define settings, to represent status and to create actor-audience relationships. This may be achieved through the use of levels, proximity and depth.The use of space may be symbolic.

Question 8

Symbol

Answer 8

Symbol is used to create meaning that is not literal. Symbols allows performers to communicate ideas and themes through words, stagecraft, and expressive skills.

Question 9

Tension

Answer 9

Tension is the suspense that holds an audience’s attention as a performance unfolds. The release of tension can have a comic or dramatic effect