MYP English Lang & Lit Dramatic Writing and Performance Techniques Key Definitions

A struggle or problem that drives the action of a story, such as a clash between characters, a character and society, or a character and their own beliefs.

A plot structure that emphasizes repetition or return (often through seasons, repeated images, or mirrored opening and ending scenes) to suggest patterns in life, history, or character.

Dialogue is the spoken conversation between two or more characters in a text.

Dramatic structure refers to the organized framework of a narrative that shows how a story unfolds over time, shaping tension, conflict, and resolution.

A narrative structure made up of separate, divisible episodes, often connected by a journey, recurring character, or shared theme.

A scene or section that interrupts the main timeline to show earlier events, often to provide background, contrast, or emotional depth.

Hints or clues placed earlier in a story that suggest later events or outcomes.

A structure in which an overarching story or pattern encloses and organizes the main narrative, influencing how the audience interprets events.

A representation of a character’s thoughts in their own voice, often used to show conflict, hesitation, or decision-making.

Pacing is the speed at which a scene or story moves.

A structure that switches between two or more storylines (often linked by theme, setting, or characters), creating contrast and suspense.

Stage directions are the instructions in a play that tell actors how the scene should be performed rather than what is said.

Subtext is the unspoken meaning underneath the dialogue.

Tension is the feeling of pressure, anticipation, or unease in a scene.