Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
The final resolution of a play's plot, following the climax.
A deus ex machina (Latin for “god from the machine”) is a dramatic device where an unsolvable problem in a story is suddenly resolved by an unexpected, often supernatural, intervention. The term comes from ancient Greek theatre, where a god was physically lowered onto the stage by a crane (machina) to provide a solution or restore order. Today, it is often used to describe plot resolutions that feel abrupt or rely on forces outside the story’s established logic.
Deeply religious characters in plays often illustrate themes of faith, sacrifice, and conflict with secular norms.
Spoken interaction between characters in a play, used to reveal relationships, advance plot, and convey emotion.
Describes theatre or literature intended to teach or instruct, often conveying moral or political messages to the audience.
A comedic character trait marked by flightiness or absentmindedness, often used in satire or light-hearted plays.
Asserting opinions rigidly; often used to describe characters with inflexible worldviews.
Phrases with dual meanings, often one risqué, used in scripts to add humor or subtext without overt expression.
Relating to theatre or intense emotion; in performance, dramatic elements drive conflict, transformation, and audience engagement.
A concise summary of a play’s central action and character conflict, used in analysis and rehearsal.
Occurs when the audience knows more than the characters on stage, creating tension, humor, or poignancy.