Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A crisis is the turning point in a play when the central conflict reaches its highest tension and the characters are forced to make key decisions. It usually occurs just before the climax and shapes how the drama will be resolved. In dramatic structure, the crisis heightens stakes and reveals the true nature of the characters.
A dance narrative is a form of storytelling that relies on movement rather than spoken dialogue or written text. Choreography conveys character, emotion, and plot, allowing audiences to understand the story through physical expression. This technique is common in dance-focused theatre, ballets, and movement-based productions.
A genre that combines elements of humor and morbidity, exploring serious themes through satire or irony.
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.
Docudrama is a genre that blends factual events or real-life interviews with dramatic storytelling techniques. It seeks to present truth through a theatrical or cinematic lens, combining authentic dialogue or situations with interpretive performance. The goal is to engage audiences emotionally while maintaining a foundation in reality and historical accuracy.
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.