Drama Terms

Question 1

Antagonist

Answer 1

A character/force against which another character struggles

Question 2

Aside

Answer 2

Words spoken by an actor to the audience

Question 3

Catastrophe

Answer 3

Action at the end of a tragedy that initiates the denouement

Question 4

Catharsis

Answer 4

Purging of feelings of pity

Question 5

Characterization

Answer 5

Means by which writers present and reveal character

Question 6

Denouement

Answer 6

Resolution of the plot

Question 7

Deus ex machina

Answer 7

Use of artificial means to resolve the plot of a play

Question 8

Dramatic monologue

Answer 8

Speaker addresses silent listener

Question 9

Exposition

Answer 9

First stage of a fictional or dramatic plot, where background information is provided

Question 10

Falling action

Answer 10

Action following the climax that moves it towards its denouement

Question 11

Foil

Answer 11

Character who contrasts and parallels the main character

Question 12

Pathos

Answer 12

Quality of a play that stimulates feelings of pity

Question 13

Tragic hero

Answer 13

A privileged character by virtue of a tragic flaw suffers a fall from glory

Question 14

Proxemics

Answer 14

Perceive of space, relationship between person and their physical location