Dramatic terminology Flashcards
Anagnorisis
the moment in the play or other work when a character makes a critical discovery
Antagonist
one that contends with or opposes the protagonist
Anticipation
expectation or prediction
Aside
a remark or passage in a play that is intended to be heard by the audience but unheard by the other characters in the play
Allegory
a story, poem or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one
Atmosphere
the pervading tone or mood of a place, situation or creative work
Blazon
catalogues the physical attributes of a subject, usually female
Catharsis
the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from strong or repressed emotions
Climax
the most intense, exciting, or important point of something
Denoument
the final part of a play, film or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved
Dramatic Irony
the expression of ones meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect
Foil
a character who contrasts another character
Hamartia
a fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine
Malcontent
a person who is dissatisfied and rebellious
Monologue
a long speech by one character, most often to express their thoughts, though sometimes also to directly address another character or the audience
