Dramatic genre basics

Question 1

Drama definition

Answer 1

Not meant to be read, more likely to be performed at stage by an actor in front of an audience
-differs from other types of literature

Question 2

Person that composes drama

Answer 2

-dramatist/playwright

Question 3

Means in which the story is presented

Answer 3

1. Dramatic dialogue
2. Monologue
3. Sololiquy - talking to yourself -> “to be or not to be”
4. Pantomime - meaning expressed through mimics, gestures

Question 4

Plot can be composed in…

Answer 4

1. verse
2. prose
3. combination

Question 5

A piece of drama is composed into…

Answer 5

Acts -> can be assimilated with “chapters”
Scenes -> act consists of several scenes, setting between them doesn’t change but actors may

Question 6

Ancient Greece number of acts

Answer 6

Prescribed number of acts was 5

Question 7

Composition of drama

Answer 7

1. EXPOSITION
-introduces characters, time
2. RISING ACTION
-story builds towards climax -> where things get worse
3. CLIMAX (CATHARSIS in tragedy -> emotional release)
-conflict is at peak
4. FALLING ACTION
-story is falling apart (things get complicated for protagonist)
5. RESOLUTION (CATASTROPHY in tragedy)

Question 8

Stage props

Answer 8

-different from curtains, costumes, stage lighting, stage machinery
-anything movable on stage
-before 17th century -> almost no use (only masks)
-after 17th century -> used massively

Question 9

Hand props

Answer 9

-actors hold them in their hands

Question 10

Dress props

Answer 10

-not worn but add value to the costume (handbag, briefcase)

Question 11

Set props

Answer 11

-make up the stage (pieces of furniture)

Question 12

Front curtain

Answer 12

-also called grande drape
-seen by audience, at start it opens
-it “closes” the stage, meaning it hides parts of stage from audience view