Elements of Drama

Act
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Scene
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Scenes are short dramatic episodes, gathered together in a particular act.

Exposition
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This is the first part of a play when the situation is presented to the audience and the
characters are established.
For example, in The Winters Tale the first scenes introduce the main characters and
reveal Leontes jealousy at Hermiones flirtation with Polixenes.

Conflict
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This refers to the clashes between characters, or specific scenes where there are physical
fights.
In Winters Tale, Camille flees, not wanting to carry out Leontes orders to kill Polixenes;
Paulina is enraged by Leontes behavior and mistreatment of Hermione.

Complication
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This refers to the plot of a play some intrigue or irregularity that causes issues.

Climax
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This is the moment when all conflicts come to a head, usually in some dramatic scene.
For example, in Othello one dramatic climax is when Othello slaps Desdemona and
confronts her with his doubts and suspicions about her behavior.

Denouement
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This is the sorting out (resolving) of all the strands in the plot, usually occurring at the
end of the play.
This usually follows the climax and it refers to the revelation, the exposure of motives
and rationale or of plotting.
Othello explains his actions to the Duke, and reveals his motivation; Iago is exposed and
Othello commits suicide.

Peripeteia
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The reversal of fortune

Hermione suffers peripeteia in The Winters Tale. Her honour is questioned; he is tried
and imprisoned and apparently dies.

Characterisation.

Protagonist

Antagonist.

Main plot
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This is the plot line that dominated the play.

In Othello, his relationship with his wife Desdemona, with whom he has eloped, and
Iagos manipulation of Othello form the main plot

Subplot.
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In Othello, there are many subplots such as the Lieutenant Cassios relationship with
Bianca.