Literary terms related to Drama | English Literature
Drama is a genre of literature that is presented through acting on stage. It uses many special literary words that give the story depth and influence. Let us understand these words in simple language:
1. Soliloquy - self -communication
Definition: When a character speaks loudly on the stage, so that the audience can understand his thoughts and feelings, it is called Soliloquy.
Meaning: When a character speaks his mind alone to himself and the audience listens to him, it is called Soliloquy.
Example: Hamlet's dialogue in Shakespeare's famous drama “Hamlet” -
"To be or not to be, that is the question ..."
This dialogue Hamlet speaks alone and reveals the duality of his mind to the audience.
Just as a character is alone on the stage and spoke loudly to his heart so that the audience can listen, it is called self -communication.
2. Aside - Dialogue in favor
Definition: When a character in the presence of other characters on the stage, only says something to the audience and the rest of the characters do not listen to that, it is called aside.
Meaning: When a character says something that is heard only by the audience, not other characters on the stage, then it is called 'Aside'.
Example: Any character is on stage and says -
"I don't trust it, but I will show off."
Other characters do not listen to him, but the audience listens.
Like a character is on the stage and slowly tells the audience something which does not hear the rest of the characters.
Make clearer from the example?
Suppose a king stands on the stage:
Soliloquy: "What am I doing right? I don't know ... my mind is very distracted."
(He is saying this in his mind - to tell the audience.)
ASIDE: (Looking at the second minister, then tells the audience) -
"This minister can cheat me, but I will be cautious."
(This is told to the audience, do not listen to the characters on the stage.)
3. Hamartia - error or weakness
Definition: That mental or moral weakness or mistake of the hero that he does not understand in time, and who finally causes his destruction or tragedy, is called Hamartia.
Meaning: It is the weakness or mistake of a hero that in the end causes his tragedy.
Example: Hamlet's habit of thinking more is its biggest weakness.
Just like a brave king loses everything because of the habit of doubt.
4. Hubris - pride
Definition: When a character has an excessive confidence or ego, especially so much that he disregards God or rules, and this ego eventually causes its collapse, it is called Hubris.
Meaning: When a character comes to ego or excessive confidence, which causes its downfall.
Example: Many heroes in Greek plays challenge God and then they have to face punishment.
Like a king starts to consider himself bigger than God and his ego becomes the cause of his defeat.
5. Conflict - Conflict
Definition: In the story of a drama, when there is a conflict between two or more powers, desires or ideas, causing stress in the story of the drama, it is called conflict.
Meaning: A problem or struggle in the play is called a conflict, which leads the dramatic story forward.
Type:
Internal conflict: Duality of the mind of the character (e.g. - religion versus duty)
External conflict: character's society, struggle with other characters or circumstances
Example: Rama's personal happiness and conflict between religions in Ramayana.
6. Comic Relief
Definition: When serious or emotional plays are added to the middle of humor or light moments so that the audience feels some relief, it is called comic relief.
Meaning: When a serious drama is put in between, lightly comic scenes are put in between so that the audience gets some relief.
Examples: Shakespeare's tragic plays have clown-like characters that bring laughter in between.
Like a sudden funny character in a passionate or serious story comes and creates a mild atmosphere.
7. Protagonist - Hero
Definition: The main character of drama or story, which carries forward the plot and by which the audience connects emotionally, is called a protagonist or hero.
Meaning: The main character of a drama or story that carries forward the story. This is the character from which the audience connects the most.
Example: Shri Ram in Ramayana, Arjuna in Mahabharata.
8. Antagonist - Villain
Definition: The character who creates obstacles in the way of the hero and creates conflict, is called an antagonist or villain.
Meaning: It is the character that acts opposite to the hero and produces conflict.
Example: Ravana in Ramayana, Kaurava in Mahabharata.
9. Freytag's Pyramid - Structure of play
Definition: It is a structure of theatrical structure that consists of five main stages of story development: introduction, growth of conflict, extreme point, tilt towards solution, and end. It is presented in the shape of the pyramid.
Meaning: It shows development in five stages of the play, such as a pyramid.
5 steps of the pyramid:
Exposition - Introduction to characters and status
Rising Action (rise of events)
Climax (extreme point) - the most exciting part of the play
Falling Action (decline of events)
Denouement / Resolution (Closing) - End of problem or solution
Example: In a play, the king is killed (introduction), his son goes out to take revenge (event), he clashes with the enemy (extreme), then the truth comes out (fall), and finally justice is given (closing).
Conclusion:
The use of these literary words in the play not only depths the story,
but also connects the audience emotionally. To understand the plays deeply,
then it is very important to understand these words.
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Read also:
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👉 Common Figures of Speech | in English Literature
👉 What is Lyric Poem? | Importance of Lyric Poem
👉 What is a Short Story? | features and significance
👉 What is Narrative Poem? | Importance of Narrative Poems
👉 What is Comic Relief? | What role does it play in literature?
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