Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
Describes a character whose name is the title of the play or musical, central to the narrative’s identity.
Refers to content that is obscure or difficult to understand, often found in avant-garde or symbolic theatre.
A speech or written tribute delivered in memory of someone, often dramatized in theatre to explore themes of grief and legacy.
A theme in drama where characters are banished from home or society, used to explore loss, identity, and transformation.
A philosophical movement emphasizing individual existence and responsibility, often reflected in modern theatre.
The anticipation established for an audience through genre, staging, or character setup.
Exposition is the presentation of background information necessary to understand the story, such as setting, character relationships, and prior events. It is often delivered through dialogue, narration, or stage action woven naturally into the play. Effective exposition provides clarity without disrupting the flow of the drama.
A struggle between a character and outside forces such as society, nature, or other characters, driving the plot.
A moral tale with symbolic characters, used in theatre to deliver social commentary through simple storytelling.
A character who claims to heal through divine power, dramatized to explore belief, doubt, and deception.
The series of events following the climax, leading to the resolution of the plot.
To imagine unreal scenarios, often portrayed on stage through dreams, desires, or escapism.