VCE Theatre Studies Terminology 'Performance Analysis' and 'Character'

Question 1

Protagonist

Answer 1

The lead character in a play

Question 2

Antagonist

Answer 2

The character directly opposing the Protagonist

Question 3

Motivation

Answer 3

The reasoning behind a character’s actions

Question 4

Objective

Answer 4

The goal that a character wants to achieve

Question 5

Function & Purpose

Answer 5

The intention behind a character’s actions, how they relate and affect the story

Question 6

Traits

Answer 6

The overarching distinguishable qualities of a character

Question 7

Status

Answer 7

The power difference between two characters or the social class a character has

Question 8

Plot and Story

Answer 8

The ideas and key actions that take place, the series of events necessary for the story to unfold

Question 9

Themes

Answer 9

The reoccurring ideas and issues addressed in a piece

Question 10

Characters

Answer 10

Those who a story revolves around, or are needed to develop the plot

Question 11

Characters Relationship

Answer 11

The relationships that characters form with others that impact who they are.

Question 12

Expressive Skills

Answer 12

The skills required to physically become someone else and to express emotions

Question 13

Performance Skills

Answer 13

A variety of techniques and actions used to perform confidently eg.Movement, Gesture, Facial Expressions, Eye movement

Question 14

Performance Style/s

Answer 14

The way a piece of theatre is performed and can be categorised by eg. Musical, Naturalism etc.

Question 15

Conventions

Answer 15

The specific actions and techniques the actor, writer or director has employed to create a desired dramatic effect/style.

Question 16

Dramatic Elements

Answer 16

The essential features of every performance. Actors manipulate dramatic elements to shape and enhance meaning
Eg.climax, conflict, contrast, mood, rhythm, sound, space and tension

Question 17

Stagecraft

Answer 17

Skill in or the art of writing or staging plays.

Question 18

Context

Answer 18

The circumstances that form the setting for a piece of theatre in terms of which it can be fully understood.

Question 19

Subplot

Answer 19

A story that is separate from and less important than the main story.

Question 20

Subtext

Answer 20

What is going on beneath the words, adding a subtext gives the actor another level to play in a scene and generates content. Each character’s subtext should be kept a secret from the others.