ENGLISH 9

FIRST DAY | 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

decisive action, reference previous events, and even

further character development in the narrative
Topic Outline:
● Elements of Drama and Theater 4. Recognize your style – The literary devices you
● Steps in Writing a Dramatic Monologue should utilize will depend on the style of monologue
● Literary Devices you are composing
● Verbals and Kinds of Verbals 5. Finish with a few final words – Leave your audience
● Synopsis of a Play with something to ponder after your monologue.
● Steps in Writing a Synopsis by Vivian Beck
Literary Devices
Elements of Drama and Theater
Allusion – references a person, place, thing, or event in the
Elements of Drama real world.
 Tension – times synonymous with conflict;
interchangeable terms Example:
“Careful, now. You do not want to go opening Pandora’s box.”
 Conflict – may be internal (man against himself) or
external (man versus society or man versus nature)
Symbolism – use of a situation or element to represent a
 Climax – one or more crises in the development of
larger message, idea, or symbol.
the plot; the highest point of a drama
 Mood – the ambience or aura; it is the feeling or tone
Example:
of a performance
Black is used to symbolize death.
 Rhythm – timing and pace of the drama and the beat
Heart is also used as a symbol of love.
or tempo of the performance
Soliloquy – a character speaks to himself/herself, relating to
Elements of Theater
the innermost thoughts and feelings as if thinking out loud.

 Buck-and-truck-tour – low-budget tour of a play or Example:

musical; often presented in smaller cities for only a
few nights "To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in
 Callback – request that an actor return for an the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
additional audition and by opposing end them. To die—to sleep, no more; and by
 Cattle call – audition open to anyone, regardless of a sleep to say we end the heart-ache and the thousand natural
experience shocks That flesh is heir to: 'tis a consummation
 Character role – supporting role with pronounce or Devoutly to be wish'd." – A famous soliloquy from the novel
eccentric characteristics “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare.
 Chemistry – mysterious element that creates
excitement when two actors appear together Verbals
 Cold reading – delivering a speech or acting a scene
at an audition without having read it beforehand A verbal is a verb that does not function as a verb.
 Cue – a line of dialogue, action, or sound; tells ab
actor it is time to enter, exit, move across the stage, Gerund – ends in -ing and acts as a noun.
or begin speaking 1. As subject: Pretending innocent won’t help you.
 Curtain up – start of a performance
2. As direct object: My father enjoys watching comedy
Steps in Writing a Dramatic Monologue shows.

3. As a Predicate nominative: Even after her break,

1. Begin with a strong opening sentence – start with a Abby’s favorite hobby was still teaching.
shocking revelation
2. Use a powerful point of view – Get to know your 4. As an object of the preposition: In making gourmet
character’s voice since that is all you have got dishes, you must take lessons from Gordon Ramsey.
3. Create a plot for your story – Although monologues
are often short, they can demonstrate the buildup to 5. As appositive: His stress-reliever, reading, is
enough to make his mood lighten.
Zik | 1
Participle – functions as adjectives that modifies nouns and/or 3. Construct the body of your synopsis – Use
pronounces. chronological order, each scene should
include/indicate action, reaction, and decision.
The melting icebergs in the arctics are one of the factors why 4. Present the crisis and resolution of your story –
the sea levels are increasing. Show your main characters’ struggles or conflicts by
including relevant details.
The melted butter was so satisfying in the eyes. 5. Rewrite your synopsis until each sentence is
polished to the point of perfection – Use strong
adjectives and verbs and always write in present
Infinitives – used as a noun, adjective, or adverb. tense.

1. As subject: To pretend innocent won’t help you.

2. As direct object: My father wants to watch comedy

shows.

3. As a Predicate nominative: Even after her break,

Abby’s favorite hobby was to teach.

Synopsis of a Play

A synopsis or plot summary is a crucial selling tool for the

play, as the intended audience may get a feel of the story at a
glance. Writing a synopsis is also a good exercise for drama
education. It demonstrates:

 The students’ understanding of the play;

 The students’ ability to put ideas into their words;
 The students’ ability to string together coherent ideas;
and
 The reinforcement of literacy skills.

Guidelines in writing a good plot synopsis

1. State the time and place at the beginning of the

synopsis.
2. Write a brief description of the main characters as
they appear in the story.
3. Begin the summary at the opening of the story and
present it in the same order—the play and end at the
play’s conclusion.
4. Describe the dramatic scenes that propel the story
forward and include climatic scenes.
5. It must be no longer than 250 words.
6. Use present tense and third person in telling the story.
7. Include dialogues in telling the story.

Steps in Writing a Synopsis by Vivian Beck (2005)

1. Start with a hook – Write a paragraph or two similar

to the blurb on the back of a book.
2. Introduction of Characters – Describe the main
characters.