Dramatic Techniques 2t3n2c

LIST OF DRAMATIC TECHNIQUES Characterisation – how a character is portrayed by a playwright Rhythm – how quickly / slowly a line is delivered, how quickly / slowly the plot moves, how quickly / slowly characters exchange dialogue with each other. Conflict Tension – development of suspense and driver of plot. Conflict (between characters, between ideas, between the known and unknown) builds tension. Dramatic structure – the structure of the play and the composer’s decision to place scenes in a certain order. Extremely important and oft-overlooked; dramatic structure provides the key to understanding where events in the play fit in relation to each other, and thus it creates meaning. e.g. Hamlet’s dramatic structure slowly fades in intensity, ending in what some see as an irresolution; how does this inform our understanding of the play / of Hamlet? Setting Stage directions Catharsis – purgation of emotions, and recognition of wrongdoing, through extreme change in emotion, that results in renewal and restoration. Hamlet undergoes a subdued catharsis when he quietly accepts death, which the audience vicariously experiences. Symbol Motif – a recurring symbol e.g. the mockingbird in To Kill a Mockingbird. Or, a collection of symbols, ideas and/or items that emphasise a certain theme. Foreshadowing Pathos – appeal to the emotions of characters / audience. Soap operas use lots of this, albeit badly. Dramatic irony – when the audience / characters are privy to some information that another character is not. Subplot – a non-central plot that goes on in tandem with the central plot. Used to highlight, parallel or contrast the main plot and its characters. Tone – this is a weak technique. If you do use it, use an adjective (e.g. Ophelia’s dejected tone) and then link it to another dramatic element (e.g. defuses tension by …) Deus ex machina – a sudden resolution to a situation or dilemma. Think of the Lego Movie when a spaceship saves Emmet and friends. Foil – a character who contrasts with another, in order to highlight the other’s attributes. E.g. Voldemort is a foil to Dumbledore. Imagery Aside – a line spoken by a character, directed to audience, unheard by other characters on stage Mood and atmosphere – the difference is minimal. The general feeling of a scene. A revelation of a secret may create a tense, awkward atmosphere. Soliloquy – an extended speech by one character that reveals their thoughts

DRAMATIC TECHNIQUES ARE WHAT GIVES Hamlet MEANING