RETEACH

Name: Date:

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF DRAMA

The text structure of a drama includes several essential elements for

understanding the play. These include the following:
• Dialogue, which refers to the lines the actors speak.
• Dramatic exposition, which provides context for the characters, setting,
and conflict of the play and is often included as commentary by the
playwright.
• Stage directions, which are typically given in italics and sometimes in
parentheses. Stage directions can describe or specify: (a) a character’s
actions or gestures, (b) a character’s positioning on the stage, (c) a
character’s attitude (such as delight, fear, apprehension), (d) information
about props, lighting, sets, and other technical aspects of the play.

DIRECTIONS: Identify each structural element of the mini-drama depicted here.

1. The symbol of the materialism and upward mobility of the 1980s was the yuppie.
But not everyone made a fortune. Many young couples experienced conflict when
one achieved great success, while the other saw dreams die. Erin, a successful
corporate lawyer, and Charles, a not-so-successful playwright, are one such couple.
A. stage direction: set description C. dramatic exposition
B. dialogue D. stage direction: character attitude

2. Randy, pointing at Charles: Have you given up on that play of yours?

A. stage direction: character attitude C. dramatic exposition
B. stage direction: character positioning D. stage direction: character action

3. Charles is standing on the outside of the group, reading a newspaper. He

continues looking down as if he hasn't heard.
A. stage direction: character positioning C. dramatic exposition
B. dialogue D. stage direction: set information

4. Charles: No. They've dropped it. So let's move on, shall we?
A. dialogue C. stage direction: character attitude
B. stage direction: character positioning D. stage direction: character action

5. Erin regretfully: I promise, as soon as this case is over, that we’ll sit down and take
stock of this whole thing.
A. stage direction: set information C. stage direction: character attitude
B. stage direction: character positioning D. stage direction: character action

6. Charles, by himself on stage. A poster for a Broadway play, “Involuntary Motion,”

is on the wall. The TV plays silently in the background.
A. dramatic exposition C. stage direction: character attitude
B. stage direction: set information D. stage direction: character action

© by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. 1

 PRACTICE

Name: Date:

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF DRAMA

DIRECTIONS: Identify each structural element of the mini-drama depicted here.

1. In the 1960s, computers were enormous machines that were used by large
businesses to analyze data. At that time, no one felt that there was a need for
individuals to use a computer for “personal” reasons. The idea of personal
computers was dismissed by computer companies at the time. But two young men
had a different vision. Steve J was a young computer nerd with a gift for marketing.
Steve W, who was Steve J's best friend, was another computer nerd with great
technical skill.
A. dramatic exposition C. dialogue
B. stage direction: set description D. stage direction: character attitude

2. Steve J types several commands into the computer. He waits with an expectant
look on his face. Only to be disappointed: Is this all that happens—a few lights
blink?
A. stage direction: character positioning C. stage direction: set information
B. stage direction: character action D. dramatic exposition

3. Steve W thrilled: Don’t you see? This is a whole new world. A whole frontier. We
have invented a computer—for the ordinary person!
A. stage direction: character attitude C. dramatic exposition
B. stage direction: character positioning D. stage direction: character action

4. Steve J: I like your enthusiasm.

A. stage direction: character attitude C. dramatic exposition
B. stage direction: character positioning D. dialogue

5. At the meeting, Steve J sits on one side of a large table. He is wearing a black
turtleneck. On the other side sit several corporate types, both male and female,
wearing business suits, including John S, the current CEO of the company.
A. stage direction: character attitude C. dramatic exposition
B. stage direction: character positioning D. stage direction: character action

6. In Act III we see that the two Steves have aged considerably. Steve W has “retired”
from his computer interests a wealthy man. He has no interest in the corporate side
of computers. Steve J has built an enormous company, only to be fired when it
started to falter. Now he is being asked to head the company again.
A. stage direction: character action C. dramatic exposition
B. stage direction: set information D. stage direction: character attitude

7. Steve J looking smug: So you want me back?

A. dramatic exposition C. stage direction: character attitude
B. stage direction: character positioning D. stage direction: character action

© by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. 2