Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A character or theme reflecting a distrust or dislike of humanity, explored in comedic and philosophical dramas.
Mock-Heroic is a literary and theatrical style in which trivial or absurd subjects are treated with the elevated seriousness and grandeur usually reserved for epic or classical heroes. By exaggerating tone and form, it creates comic contrast between lofty language or music and the silliness of the actual situation. For example, in Princess Ida, Gilbert & Sullivan use mock-heroic style in Ida’s Shakespearean speeches and her brothers’ bombastic trio “We Are Warriors Three.”
The emotional atmosphere created by the elements of a performance, influencing how audiences feel and interpret events.
Morality refers to the principles and values that guide a person’s sense of right and wrong behavior. It shapes decisions, actions, and judgments based on cultural, personal, or societal standards. In drama, morality often drives character motivations and conflicts, revealing deeper themes about ethics and human nature.
Relating to death or disease, often used to describe the tone or themes in dark or tragic plays. Morbid elements in theatre provoke reflection and emotional impact.
A reference to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes featured in theatre as cultural or religious characters. Their representation has appeared in notable works such as satirical musicals and dramas exploring faith and identity.
A recurring element, such as a symbol, image, or phrase, that reinforces a play’s themes. Motifs help unify the structure of a work and deepen its symbolic meaning.
A self-centered character trait often dramatized to explore vanity, manipulation, and personal downfall.
A philosophical concept of universal moral principles, sometimes invoked in plays about justice or moral dilemmas.
An antagonist or force of retribution often featured in tragedies to fulfill poetic justice or downfall.
Critical turning points or moments in a dramatic structure where key decisions or events alter the course of the narrative.
A storytelling approach that does not follow chronological order, often using flashbacks, loops, or fractured narratives.