Introduction to Drama

You are probably familiar with actors and actresses who regularly appear on television shows and in popular movies. The television shows and movies that appear on screen today stem from the dramas, or plays, created hundreds of years ago. The actors and actresses of today learn their lines from a script, and these scripts mirror the plays you will read in this module.

Elements of Drama

Let's learn about the different elements that make up a drama: characters, acts and scenes, sets, props, stage directions, and dialogue. Watch the video below now.

The Development of the English Drama

There are many types of dramas depending on what time period you are studying. In this module, we will explore English dramas —predominately plays written by William Shakespeare during the 15^th century. View the video below to learn about the development of the English drama.

Drama As a Genre

According to the philosopher Aristotle, there are certain elements that make a good drama, and after plays gained popularity, certain characteristics recurred in each play establishing a widely accepted elements of drama. View the video below that introduces the genre of drama and outlines some of the main dramatic elements that appear in plays.

One of the most famous playwrights from the 15^th century who developed many of the dramatic elements is William Shakespeare. Move on to the next page to learn about William Shakespeare.

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