Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
The portion of a play where conflicts are resolved and the narrative concludes. It follows the climax and restores order or provides closure.
The art of persuasive speaking or writing, often used by playwrights and characters to influence others or convey arguments.
A pattern of rhyming sounds in poetry or lyrics, commonly used in verse drama, musicals, and Shakespearean plays.
The series of events in a dramatic plot that build tension and complications, leading toward the climax of the story.
Role reversal occurs when two characters or individuals exchange their usual positions of authority, power, or perspective, often highlighting contrasts in status or identity. This dramatic device can expose hidden dynamics, challenge assumptions, and create tension or humor as expectations are subverted. It is frequently used to explore themes of power, empathy, and transformation in theatre and storytelling.
A novel or play in which real people appear with altered names, often critiquing society through veiled representation.
A running gag is a comedic device where a particular joke, situation, or character trait is repeated several times throughout a performance. Each recurrence builds familiarity, so the humor often increases as the audience begins to anticipate the repetition. For example, a character might always trip when entering a room or constantly forget names, creating laughter through expectation and variation.
“Runyonesque” refers to a colorful, exaggerated style of dialogue and character inspired by writer Damon Runyon, known for his short stories about New York gamblers, hustlers, and showgirls. Characters often speak in a formal yet slang-filled manner that is humorous, rhythmic, and larger-than-life. This style has become shorthand for a heightened comic world of quirky underworld figures with a surprising sense of honor.
The interplay of pleasure and pain, sometimes explored in avant-garde or psychological drama to challenge social norms.
Satire is a dramatic style that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize human behavior, social institutions, or political systems. In theatre, it highlights flaws and hypocrisies through wit and parody, encouraging audiences to laugh while also reflecting on serious issues. Satire can range from lighthearted comedy to biting social commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
A mindset where one feels compelled to 'rescue' others, portrayed in drama to reveal ego, guilt, or flawed altruism.
A character who takes the blame for others, often central to tragic or moral narratives in drama.