Dramatic Convention	Othello	The Crucible	Dr. Faustus	The Cherry Orchard
	Shakespeare	Arthur Miller	Christopher Marlowe	Anton Chekhov
Opening Scene Effect on audience Creates a mood or tension Provokes a sense of intrigue and captures the audience’s attention
Opening Scene Purpose for the play as a whole Exposition – situation, background info, details needed for understanding Setting or background against which the play is set Introduces characters, situations, relationships
Presentation of Character Methods Stage directions – detail and specificity
Presentation of Character Methods How characters speak
Presentation of Character Methods How characters are described by others

Dramatic Convention	Othello	The Crucible	Dr. Faustus	The Cherry Orchard
Presentation of Character Methods What characters say & do
Presentation of Character Methods How other characters respond to and interact with them
Type of Characters Fully developed
Type of Characters Stock or stereotypical characters
Method of revealing characters’ thoughts Asides (short –often single sentences or single words- used to convey small pieces of information concerning plot or character)
Method of revealing characters’ thoughts Soliloquies (conveys information and inner emotions. Characters tell audience directly about themselves – what’s on their minds, why they are acting as they do, what they intend to do.)

Dramatic Convention	Othello	The Crucible	Dr. Faustus	The Cherry Orchard
When soliloquies are used Special moments When a character is undergoing emotionally or psychologically heightened experience.
Issues & Themes Through characters Characters can hold views counter to the message that the play as a whole conveys Shows shortcomings & problems of actions or philosophies
Issues & Themes Through action centered on human relations and conflicts.
Development of Themes Characters experience personal difficulties or inner/mental turmoil
Development of Themes Family, society, or coutry is affected by turmoil
Development of Themes Nature or the universe may be disordered or supernatural events may be witnessed
Development of Themes Powerful images
Dramatic Convention	Othello	The Crucible	Dr. Faustus	The Cherry Orchard
Plot & Structure Exposition opening of the play introduction of main characters and background information
Plot & Structure Dramatic Incitement incident which provided the starting point for the main action of the play & causes some type of conflict to arise
Plot & Structure Complication the main action of the play – the characters respond to the dramatic incitement & developments that stem from it
Plot & Structure Crisis or climax
Plot & Structure Resolution final section of the play where things are worked out, conflicts are resolved and some kind of conclusion is reached
Structure Dynamic Structure – play is a sequence of events which build up in a cause and effect fashion to create the plot and drive the play forward
Structure Symmetric Structure various parallels and cross-references or repetitions of image, symbol, language, etc. create a network of threads running through the play

Dramatic Convention	Othello	The Crucible	Dr. Faustus	The Cherry Orchard
Language in plays Creating the setting and atmosphere of the play
Language in plays Imagery linked to central themes	Othello’s jealousy increasingly is expressed in unpleasant animal imagery
Verse High characters Main plot Solemn & dignified tone
Prose Low characters Sub-plots Comedy
Switches between verse and prose - reason for switch in four examples

Dramatic Convention	Othello	The Crucible	Dr. Faustus	The Cherry Orchard
Visual Action – Examples & significance
Staging Elements that make the play work on stage
Spectacle What is remembered
Physical Elements (scenery, props) Impact on meaning
Setting Place Time Occupations & daily life General environment (culture, religious, etc.)
Symbols & their effects

Dramatic Convention	Othello	The Crucible	Dr. Faustus	The Cherry Orchard
Comedy & tragedy Mixing of the elements of seriousness & light-heartedness
Social or Political Purposes
Pace and rhythm of the play Overall pace Variations in pace Attract or heighten interest
Dramatic tension Concealment Revelation