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STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF DRAMA

The Crucible: Act I

Arthur Miller

Because plays are usually written to be performed and not read, they contain
text structures not found in other types of fiction. Understanding the following
structural elements of a play will help you understand the play as you read it:
• Dialogue is the actors' lines—the words they speak in the play.
Dialogue reveals character and conflict and moves the story forward.
• Stage directions specify all elements of the play that are not spoken
lines. These elements are given in italics (often within parentheses) and
include:
• How characters position themselves on the stage and actions they take
• Gestures and attitudes of the characters, such as anger or joy
• Directions for costumes, lighting, sets, props, and other items
• Dramatic exposition provides context for the characters, setting, and
conflict of the drama. These are commentaries inserted by the
playwright.

DIRECTIONS: Fill in the chart. Find an example of each structural element.

Refer to Act I of The Crucible.

Structural Element Line or page Example and Specific Function

number

Dialogue

Stage direction: set

description

Stage direction:
character action

Stage direction:
character attitude

Dramatic exposition

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