| A | B |
|---|
| drama | literature in play form |
| tragedy | a dramatic work that presents the downfall of a dignified character who is involved in historically, morally, or socially significant events |
| tragic flaw | a quality that leads to his or her destruction |
| comedy | a dramatic work that is light and often humorous in tone, usually ending happily with a peaceful resolution of the main conflict |
| plot | the sequence of actions and events in a literary work |
| setting | the time and place of the work |
| theme | the central idea |
| cast | the list of characters and/or actors in a play |
| protagonist | the main character, with whom the audience identifies |
| antagonist | the principal character in opposition to the protagonist |
| foil | a character whose traits contrast with those of another character |
| playwright | a person who authors a work for the stage |
| screenwriter | a person who authors a work for film |
| stage directions | instructions for the director, performers, and stage crew |
| aside | a short comment made by an actor directly to the audience |
| act | a major division in a play |
| dialogue | a conversation between two or more characters |
| monologue | an extended speech delivered by one character |
