2. Have an understanding of the 5 elements of
drama
Recall ‘The Dentist’ and be able to make
connections between what you learn today,
and what you have read
Be able to use these 5 elements to develop a
deeper understanding of A Villa on Venus and
Zeep!
3. There are many possible definitions of drama:
Ancient Greek word meaning ‘act’ or ‘deed’
4. An ancient art form with
origins that are beyond
human record.
5. It may have developed out of important rituals having
to do with:
•Sewing and reaping crops
•Fertility rituals
•Burial rituals
6. But what we are mainly
interested in is drama in the
classroom:
So, for us,
1. Drama is a genre of literature.
(Genre: a particular type or
form)
2. Its basic medium is spoken
language.
(Medium: the material or
technique an artist works with.)
7. Drama shows human actions in such a way
that we gain a deeper understanding of the
human experience (what it means to be
human)
9. Sequence of events that makes up the whole story
Structure:
Climax
Conflict
starts to
develop
Exposition
Characters and
setting are
introduced
Main struggle between
‘good’ and ‘evil’. Often
contains most of the action
Loose ends are
tied up. Action
slows down
Resolution
All mystery is solved,
things go back to normal
10. Identify the 5 parts of a typical play in ‘The
Dentist’
Look at the middle section of the play in
particular – what events and actions make it
exciting?
Dentist hits man with hammer
Dentist reveals that it is his first time extracting
teeth
Woman starts to lose it
Man and woman run away!
11. Main struggle between two opposing forces
Two main types:
Internal Conflict
External Conflict
12. Internal Conflict
External Conflict
Struggles the character
faces within himself
Conflict that occurs
between characters
13. External Conflict
When do we see characters clashing with one
another?
Clue: Look out for moments of disagreement,
characters getting upset, verbal/physical fights
14. • Refers to the time and place the play is set in
• e.g. Environment (physical characteristics of the
surrounding) in which characters live
• Where the action takes place!
• Starts with being just a physical location with
identifiable qualities
• But can often reveal insights about characters and
their relationships
15. • We will analyse setting
in greater depth in
Zeep!
16. We can learn about characters in many ways,
including:
Physical traits
Actions
Perspectives
Opinions
17. Physical traits:
What does the character look like?
Hair
Facial expressions
Clothing
Accessories
18. Actions:
What does the character do in the story?
E.g. The ‘Dentist’ and all his “crazy” actions
19. Perspectives:
What does the character say in the story?
How does he say it?
Analyse the diction (choice
of words)
Imagine his tone of voice –
Angry? Happy? Hesitant?
Any words that are
repeated in his speech?
20. Opinions:
What do other characters say or think about the
character?
Is this true based on evidence from the rest of the
play?
Remember that thoughts and emotions are
revealed in characters’ speech
Recall the Man and Woman’s judgment of the
character of the ‘Dentist’ (“He’s absolutely crazy,
completely mad”)
21. Opinions:
Are characters being sincere? Do they really mean
what they say about each other?
Sometimes straightforward, but other times you
have to ‘read between the lines’
22. Protagonist:
Main character
Story revolves around his
experiences
We usually identify, empathise with
him
Who is this in ‘The Dentist’?
23. Antagonist:
Main character who deceives, frustrates,
opposes, or works against the protagonist
The main ‘enemy’
24. The central idea or message
Could be a comment on human values
Or an interpretation of life
There can be more than one theme in a drama,
although this usually depends on the length of the play
25. In your Literature exercise books, copy this
question down:
What did you like/dislike about the plot OR
characters in the play ‘The Dentist‘?
Choose either PLOT or CHARACTER
Answer with at least 3 reasons, in complete
sentences
Each reason should include a term or concept
you have learnt from today’s lesson