Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
The core nature or indispensable quality of a character or performance element.
The customary code of polite behavior in a theatre setting, both onstage and off.
A speech or written tribute delivered in memory of someone, often dramatized in theatre to explore themes of grief and legacy.
A comedic technique in physical theatre where a character reacts with excessive effort to minor obstacles.
A stylistic device in acting or design that emphasizes traits or actions beyond realism for comic or emotional effect.
A stage direction indicating that two or more characters leave the stage.
A theme in drama where characters are banished from home or society, used to explore loss, identity, and transformation.
A philosophical movement emphasizing individual existence and responsibility, often reflected in modern theatre.
The final scene or departure in Ancient Greek plays, often featuring resolution and moral commentary by the chorus.
The anticipation established for an audience through genre, staging, or character setup.
Innovative performance styles that challenge traditional theatre conventions.
Exposition is the presentation of background information necessary to understand the story, such as setting, character relationships, and prior events. It is often delivered through dialogue, narration, or stage action woven naturally into the play. Effective exposition provides clarity without disrupting the flow of the drama.