Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A strong feeling of hostility between characters that drives dramatic tension and conflict.
The antagonist is a character who opposes the protagonist and creates conflict within the story. They are not always villains but are critical to the development of dramatic tension.
An anti-hero is a central character who lacks traditional heroic qualities such as morality, bravery, or idealism. Often flawed and complex, anti-heroes appear frequently in modern drama and literature.
A recurring character type or symbol representing universal patterns in storytelling, often used in classical and contemporary theatre.
Dramatic rules from Aristotle’s *Poetics* prescribing unity of time, place, and action in classical tragedy.
The expression of human creativity and imagination, typically in visual, performance, or literary forms. In theatre, art encompasses acting, design, and storytelling.
The deliberate use of stylized, non-naturalistic elements in theatre to emphasize that the production is a constructed artistic creation.
A written declaration of artistic principles or intentions, often guiding avant-garde or political theatre movements.
A type of performance or script that draws directly from the playwright’s or actor’s personal life and experiences.
Experimental and boundary-pushing theatre that challenges conventional forms, often associated with political or abstract expression.
A medication used to treat HIV/AIDS. Frequently referenced in plays addressing the AIDS crisis, such as 'Angels in America.'
The background information about a character’s history or experiences before the action of the play begins.