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The term drama, when used in literature, defines a genre or a particular type of writing. In a real sense, drama is a play that can be staged for theater, radio, or even television. Plays like these are usually written out as a script, which means it is a written version of the play, read by the actors but not by the audience. The following article brings forth the definition of drama, its characteristics, and its essential elements.

Definition of Drama:

In literature, drama refers to a composition that is either in prose or verse and tells its story through the speeches and actions of its characters, normally enacted before an audience in theatre situations. The word derives from the Greek "dran," which literally means "to do" or "to act," hence suggesting the dynamic nature associated with it. Compared to any other forms of literature, drama is highly visual and auditory in its conception of narrating a story and delivering themes.

Characteristics of Drama:

The drama has a few unique characteristics that set it apart from other genres:

1. Dialogue:

Since drama is primarily a medium of communication through dialogue, characters express their thoughts, emotions, and intentions through spoken words. This dialogue propels the movement of action and discloses character relationships. Unlike prose, which relies on narration to explain inner thoughts and settings, all that information must be conveyed through dialogue in drama.

2. Action:

Action is the term applied to all forms of physical movements and character's behaviors on stage. It is everything from a raised eyebrow to the most complicated fight scene. Actions facilitate imagination of the story and provide an energetic feel to the theatrical experience, interactive for the audience. This enhances the effect of dialogue, embedding a deeper meaning into its words.

3. Conflict:

One of the central elements in drama is conflict. Conflict creates tension and moves the plot. It can be an internal conflict within a character or between different characters or between a character and an outward force. The resolution of these conflicts provides the climax and resolution of the drama and gives closure to the story.

4. Character:

Characters refer to the individuals or people in a drama. They can be the protagonists, antagonists, or other major and minor characters. In a drama, the characters have to be well developed in order for intricate emotions and motives to be brought out through body expressions and verbal utterances. Character development and interaction is what drives the plot forward and grasps the attention of the readers.

5. Plot:

The plot is the series of events that make up the story of a drama. This includes the exposition, an introduction of the characters and the setting; the rising action, the building of the conflict; the climax, the point of the greatest conflict; the falling action, the point at which the resolution begins; and the denouement, which is the conclusion of the play. A well-structured plot is important for the coherence of a drama and in maintaining the audience's interest.

6. Setting:

In drama, the setting refers to the time and location where the story unfolds. It provides the setting within which the action takes place, the characters interact, and the plot unfolds. The setting may influence the mood and atmosphere in drama and can be portrayed through a combination of things such as dialogue, costume, props, and scenery.

7. Theme:

The theme is the meaning, the message, or the central idea of the drama. It is that point which the playwright wants to bring home to the audience. Themes of drama may be diverse, like love, betrayal, power, corruption. This provides depth to the narrative and gives a effectible element from the audience's side.

Key Elements of Drama:

Besides the main features, there are some key elements to drama:

1. Script:

The script is a written text of the drama, including dialogue and stage directions. The script gives an outline for performance; it provides actors, directors, and designers with an idea of how the story can unfold. The script must be well-written so that the narrative is smooth and the voices of the characters come out in an interesting and differentiated manner.

2. Stage Directions:

Stage directions are those parts of the script that tell the actors where and how to move, how to act, and how to speak the lines. They also give indications on lighting, sound effects, and set design. It is to create a picture in the mind from the standpoint of the playwright and to present a coherent and effective performance.

3. Costumes and Properties:

Costumes and props are major features of drama because they establish the visual identity of the characters and settings. Costumes identify the personality of the characters, their status or position in society, and the time period of the play. Props are objects moved by the character during the performance to make the actions more real and detailed.

4. Lighting and Sound:

Lighting and sound are essential elements that a drama relies on to create an atmosphere. It can draw attention toward a character or action and build dramatic effects. The sound effects of a play underscore emotions and changes in time or setting, engage the senses of audiences.

Drama, therefore, is a peculiar and most powerful genre of literature ever to put life into stories through the play of words, action, and performance. It has a number of distinct characteristics, such as dialogue, action, conflict, characters, plot, setting, and theme, all of which make the audience enthralled and interested. Being able to recognize these components and their subcomponents—scripts, stage directions, costumes, props, light, and sound—actually shows appreciation for how complex and artistic the writing and acting are in drama. It is through this dynamic nature that drama comes to remain as a very essential tool of storytelling all the way through to the present time, very relevant to various cultures and periods in history.