Dramatic Elements

Dramatic elements are the parts of a performance that help tell a story to an audience. They are created through the script and language, spacing, sound, expression and other parts. There are eight elements in the VCE study design - of course in reality there are a lot more. Here they are with a quick definition. Use this page if you ever need a reminder!.

Tension

Tension is the suspense that holds an audience’s attention as a performance unfolds. The release of tension may have a comic or a dramatic effect.

Conflict

Conflict generally occurs when a character cannot achieve an objective due to an obstacle. This obstacle may be internal or external and between characters or between characters and their environment. Conflict may be shown in a variety of ways, for example through physical, verbal or psychological means. Conflict may be embedded in the structure of the drama.

Climax

Climax is the most significant moment of tension or conflict in a drama and often occurs towards the end of the plot. Multiple climaxes and/or an anti-climax may also occur. The action of a drama usually unravels after the climax has transpired but the work might finish with a climactic moment.

Sound

Sound is created live, by the actor, in the performance. Voice, body percussion and objects can be used individually or in combination to create sonic effects in performance and to enhance meaning. Sound may include silence or the deliberate absence of sound.

Space

Space involves the way the performance area is used to communicate meaning, to define settings, to represent status and to create actor–audience relationships. This may be achieved through the use of levels, proximity and depth. The use of space may be symbolic.

Rhythym

Rhythm is a regular pattern of words, sounds or actions. Performances have their own rhythm that may be influenced by the emotional nature of the plot, the pace of line delivery, the dialogue (long and/or short lines), the pace of scene transitions and the length of scenes.

Mood

Mood is the overall feeling or emotion that a performance may evoke. This may be achieved through manipulation of acting, conventions or production areas.

Contrast

Contrast presents the dissimilar, or opposite, in order to highlight or emphasise difference. Contrast may be explored in many ways and may include contrasting characters, settings, times, themes, elements, production areas and performance styles.

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