dramatic irony
when a reader is aware of something that a character isn't
iambic pentameter
A common meter in poetry consisting of an unrhymed line with five feet or accents, each foot containing an unaccented syllable and an accented syllable.
Dialogue
Conversation between two or more characters
props (properties)
Items carried on stage by an actor; small items on the set used by the actors.
Imagery
elements of a poem that invoke any of the five senses to create a set of mental images
Metaphor
a comparison that is made directly without pointing out a similarity by using words such as "like," "as," or "than
Simile
a figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared, using "like" or "as
Personification
a figure of speech in which the poet describes an abstraction, a thing, or a nonhuman form as if it were a person
Aside
a remark or passage by a character in a play that is intended to be heard by the audience but unheard by the other characters in the play.
Figurative Language
figures of speech such as metaphors, similes and allusions that go beyond the literal meanings of the words to be more effective, persuasive, and impactful and give readers new insights.
Internal Rhyme
rhyme within a single line of verse, or between internal phrases across multiple lines
End Rhyme
lines ending with words that sound the same
Free Verse
nonmetrical, nonrhyming lines that closely follow the natural rhythms of speech
Allusion
a brief, intentional reference to a historical, mythic, or literary person, place, event, or movement
playwright
the author of a play
Acts
units of action in a drama
Monologue
A long speech made by one performer or by one person in a group.
Pun
wordplay that uses homonyms (two different words that are spelled identically) to deliver two or more meanings at the same time
Hyperbole
a figure of speech composed of a striking exaggeration
Oxymoron
a figure of speech that brings together contradictory words for effect
Soliloquy
A long speech expressing the thoughts of a character alone on stage
scenes
subdivision of an act in a play indicating changes in location or the passage of time
script
the written text of a play
fourth wall
the imaginary wall through which the audience views the play
stage directions
The specific instructions a playwright includes concerning sets, characterization, delivery, etc.