THE

CRUCIBLE
“Conventions of Drama”
TYPES OF DRAMA
Drama is a form of literature that is written
to be performed for an audience.
• Tragedy: Unveils downfall of main character
• Comedy: Light and humorous in tone
Many dramas contain elements of both
tragedy and comedy.
Drama was the last type of literature to come to the United
States.
• The Puritans viewed it as “frivolous”
CONVENTIONS OF
DRAMA
Most dramas follow similar conventions (or rules) in how
they are presented.
• Acts and Scenes
• Dramatic plots are divided into acts and scenes, with each
scene establishing a different time or place.
• Elements of Plot
• Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution
CONVENTIONS OF
DRAMA
The Cast of Characters
• A play lists the cast of characters in the beginning, before the
action starts.
• Protagonist=central character of the play
• Antagonist=character who opposes the main character
• Foil=a minor character whose traits contrast sharply with
those of the main character
CONVENTIONS OF
DRAMA
Stage Directions
• Describe the setting of the play and suggest the use of props,
lighting, scenery, sound effects, and costumes.
• Describe entrances and exits of the characters.
SPEECH DEVICES
Dialogue=Conversation between characters.
Monologue=long speech spoken by a single
character to himself or herself, or to the
audience
Soliloquy=a monologue in which a character
speaks his or her private thoughts aloud and
appears to be unaware of the audience
Aside=a short speech or comment that is
delivered by a character to the audience, but
that is beyond the hearing of other characters
who are present.
STRATEGIES
Review the cast of characters and read
stage directions carefully.
Try to picture the characters in action as if
you were watching the play.
Follow the dialogue to keep track of
everything.
Read the play silently and then read it
aloud.
ASSIGNMENT
Read pages 166-173 (middle)
• What do you think Reverend Hale’s arrival may foreshadow,
based on his reputation?