Drama: Key Concepts

3. The emotional release experienced by the audience, often in tragedies
5. all physical actions performed by actors on stage
6. When the audience knows something the characters do not, creating tension or humor.
7. The playwright’s instructions for movement, tone, and technical elements (e.g., lighting, sound) that guide performance.
8. a short speech delivered by a character in a play, typically directed to the audience, but seemingly unheard by the other characters on stage
11. The imaginary barrier between actors and audience; breaking it (e.g., direct address) creates intimacy or alienation.
12. play where the characters experience a change for the better and work things out to a happy ending
13. designated performance area where actors and performers present a production to an audience

1. a dramatic device where a character, usually alone on stage, speaks their inner thoughts and feelings aloud for the audience to hear
2. The background details that shape the world of the play.
4. A character whose traits contrast with another’s to highlight key themes or qualities
6. the written or spoken exchange of words between two or more characters
9. The central struggle (internal or external) driving the drama
10. genre that depicts the downfall of a noble or heroic character, often due to a tragic flaw or fate