Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region VIII
Schools Division of Eastern Samar

GEN. MACARTHUR NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL

Gen. MacArthur Eastern Samar

Learning Activity Sheet

in
CREATIVE WRITING
Grade 11 Second Sem. Quarter 4 – LAS 1 (Week 1-3)

Various Elements, Techniques, and Literary Devices of Drama

I. INTRODUCTION
This LAS is designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you learn the Various
Elements, Techniques, and Literary Devices of Drama, specifically a one-act play. The scope
of this LAS permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The language used
recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students.

II. OBJECTIVES:
MELC:

 Identify the various elements, techniques and literary device of a drama

 Conceptualizing Setting, Character and Plot in a one-act play

(lessons intended for 3 weeks)

After going through this Learning Activity Sheet, you are expected to:

1. Identify the elements, and literary device used in a drama.

2. Write a story line for a one-act play.
4. Use the various elements, techniques, and literary device of a drama to write/compose a one-
scene for a one-act play.

CONTENT: Various elements, techniques, and literary devices of drama

A. PRE- ASSESSMENT
Let us Try
Direction: Write True if the statement is correct and False if it is incorrect. Use the space provided.
__________ 1. A drama is a type of literature that is written for the purpose of being read in front of an
audience.
__________ 2. Scene is a single situation or unit of dialogue in a play.
__________ 3. Act is composed of many scenes.
__________ 4. Comedy is a form of drama in which there is a display of human suffering and catharsis
for the audience
__________ 5. Tragedy is a form of entertainment meant to be humorous.
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B.
Discussion
Lesson 1: Elements, Techniques and Literary Devices of Drama

Drama also known as a play, is a form of literature written intentionally for theatrical performance.
It is usually fictional and most of its parts are consisted of scripted dialogues, or only the acting in some
cases, between characters intended to be performed.
It is one of the first forms of storytelling in human history. Also, drama was popular in many other
parts of the world. Drama examples have continued to be significant in different areas of the world and
throughout different time periods. One of the reasons that drama has continued to have such an
important place in literature is its unique way of presenting a narrative in real time.
Did you know that there are various elements, techniques, and literary devices in drama? This
Learning Activity Sheet will help you learn the various elements, techniques, and literary devices in
drama.

What is Drama?
Drama comes from the Greek Word, “Dran” which means “To do” or “To Act”. Doing/Acting makes
drama. It is the presentation of actions on a stage DRAMA11 through actors/actress before an audience.
Like a short story or novel, it has a setting, characters, plot, and even symbolism.

A drama is divided into major divisions which is called acts. A play can be a three act-play which
consists of three acts. A three-act play is performed in a longer exposition. However, a short play with
one unit of time, one unit of place, and one unit of action is called one-act play.

But What Makes Drama Unique?

Drama has one characteristic peculiar to itself—it is written primarily to be performed, not read.

Two Types of Drama

1. Tragedy - is a form of drama in which events lead to the downfall of the main character, often a
person of great significance, like a king or hero.
Example: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

2. Comedy - is a form of drama that has a happy ending. Humor comes from the dialogue and
situations.
Example: The Knaves of Shakespeare

Literary Elements of Drama

1. Plot refers to the action, the basic storyline or the artistic arrangement of events in the drama. It
comprises exposition, conflict, rising actions/complications, turning point/climax, falling actions, and
conclusion or denouement.

Six Stages in a Plot Structure

1. Exposition/Introduction This is the opening scene that creates the setting,

characters and the conflict of the play

2. Conflict This is the troubles or struggles that develop on the

play. This can be internal or external conflict. It
recognizes the threat or challenge faced by the main
character or the protagonist.

3. Rising Action/Complication This comes in the storyline of a play after characters

face the conflict of the story. It sets the action in

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 motion where the tension builds up and fluctuates
later on.

4. Turning point or Climax This is the turning point of the story. It intensifies the
story as the protagonist comes face to face with the
struggles against the main conflict.

5. Falling Action This part concludes the play. It hints the audience
how the story is about to end.

6. Denouement or Resolution This is the ending part of the story. A play may end
tragic or a victorious protagonist.

2. Theme refers to the message that is intended to be expressed through the story. In other words, it is
the main idea or the lesson to be learned from the play.

3. Characters and Actors - the people (sometimes animals or ideas) portrayed by the actors.

Typically, each character, both major and minor, is listed alongside a brief description
of the character's role in the story. Below, you can see that Troy is the main character,
and each character is described in relation to him.

Example
Characters TROY MAXSON GABRIEL, Troy's brother

JIM BONO, Troy's friend CORY, Troy and Rose's son

ROSE, Troy's wife RAYNELL, Troy's daughter
LYONS, Troy's oldest son by previous marriage

Characterization is the way the playwright/author presents a character

Types of Character
1. Protagonist is the main character of a story.
2. Antagonist is the opposite of a Protagonist. Usually the villain or opponent of the main
character
3. Round character are complex and undergo development.
4. Flat character are relatively uncomplicated and do not change throughout the whole
story.

4. Dialogue refers to words written by the playwright and spoken by the characters in the play.

Forms of Dialogue:
It is the conversation between two or more characters is referred to as dialogue
(usually the majority of speech in plays consists of dialogue). A monologue is when one
character delivers a speech to convey his or her thoughts, although other characters
may remain on stage in scene. Similar to a monologue, a soliloquy is a speech made by
one character but delivered when he or she is alone on stage.

5. Music/Rhythm - refers to the rhythm of the actors’ voice as they speak

6. Spectacle – refers to the visual elements of a play: Set, Costumes, special effect

Technical Elements
1. Scene (Set) refers to the theatrical equipment
2. Costumes refers to clothing and accessories used by actors to portray characters
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 3. Properties any movable object that appears on stage
4. Sound refers to the effects an audience hears during the performance
5. Lights
6. Makeup includes costumes, wigs, and body paints used to transform characters

Other Elements:
1. Playwright-the author of a play (script)
2. Script- the written pages of a play. Scripts are divided into Acts and Scenes.

Acts- long sections of a play, made up of multiple scenes, usually designed to separate the play
into its main parts and to give the audience a “break” from the performance.

Scenes- shorter sections of a play, usually each scene occurs in one location at a specific time.
Multiple scenes make up an act. It is often signaled by the entrance or exit of a character or
change in setting or focus of the action

Example from August Wilson's Fences

Act I
Scene 2
The LIGHTS come up on ROSE hanging up clothes.
SHE hums and sings softly to herself.
It is the following morning.
ROSE (Sings.)
Jesus, be a fence all around me every day
Jesus, I want you to protect me as I travel on my way.
Jesus, be a fence all around me every day.
TROY (enters from the house)

7. Setting – refers to the place, together with other conditions, such as time and the environment,
involved in which the events occur. The setting in the drama can be presented through the visual
element deals with the scenes, costumes and special effects used in it. The setting can as well be
enhanced by using viewable elements, sound effects, and music.
It also refers to time, and condition in which the events occur. In other words, setting can
be displayed through geographical location, historical era/period, weather or climate, season
of the year, time of day, or even type of building.

Source: Elements of Drama: Characters, Plot, Setting & Symbolism, 2013)

Techniques in Drama
1. Vocal Dynamics – actors need to expand their vocal toolbox and learn about the ways that
range, pitch, and pronunciation which affect performance
2. Body Language and Mannerisms - actors bring their characters to life by moving, reacting, and
even standing in nuanced ways that are natural for their character.
3. Use and Awareness of Space - actors need to be aware not just of your “marks” on stage, but
also of the actors who must interact with or move past you
4. Improvisational Techniques - refers to the on-the-spot creativity of the actors.

Common Literary Devices Used in Drama

• Figures of speech – words that goes its literal meaning

Metaphor - are one of the most extensively used literary devices. A metaphor refers to a
meaning or identity ascribed to one subject by way of another. In a metaphor, one
subject is implied to be another so as to draw a comparison between their similarities
and shared traits.
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 For example: a rose (object) is substituted for love (feeling) “Henry was a lion on the
battlefield.”

Similes - are one of the most commonly used literary devices; referring to the practice of drawing
parallels or comparisons between two unrelated and dissimilar things, people, beings,
places and concepts. Similes are marked by the use of the words ‘as’ or ‘such as’ or
‘like’
For example: He is like a mouse in front of the teacher.

Imagery - the author’s attempt to create a mental picture in the mind of the reader. It appeals to
the senses.
For example:
Visual imagery - It was dark in the forest…
Olfactory Imagery (smell) – She whiffed the sweet aroma of his drink
Tactile Imagery (touch) - She held it with her rough hand the soft pillow.

Symbolism - when an object is meant to be representative of something or an idea greater than

the object itself or it is the frequent use of words, places, characters, or objects that
mean something beyond what they are on a literal level.

For example: a writer uses the word ‘blood’ once its meaning will be confined to that
instance in which it is used.
But if the word is used repeatedly, as it is in plays like Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet it
expresses some profound ideas. By using a word repeatedly in different contexts it
expresses several interlocking themes. In Romeo and Juliet ‘blood’ refers to all the
following and more themes: violence, youth, passion, family ties.

Dramatic Irony – involves the reader (or audience) knowing something about what's happening
in the plot, about which the character(s) have no knowledge.

For example:
From Romeo and Juliet

“Alack, there lies more peril in thine eye / Than twenty of their swords! Look thou but
sweet, / And I am proof against their enmity” (act 2, scene 2).

Romeo tries to reassure Juliet by claiming he is invincible to her family's hostility, but the
audience knows that the young lovers are doomed to die as a result of the feud.

Foreshadowing refers to the use of indicative words/phrases and hints that set the stage for a
story to unfold and give the reader a hint of something that is going to happen without
revealing the story or spoiling the suspense. Foreshadowing is used to suggest an
upcoming outcome to the story.
Example: “He had no idea of the disastrous chain of events to follow.

ACTIVITIES
VALUING
Learning Task 1: Answer the questions comprehensively.

1. Can you think of a drama or play that you have watched? How is it delivered?
2. How is drama similar to writing a short story?
3. Which of the two types of drama is your favorite? Why?

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Learning Task 2:
Directions: Study the text below and identify the elements/literary device used. Use and complete the
table below.
Sorry, Wrong Number
(A Radio Play) By Lucille Fletcher)

Characters:
Mrs. Stevenson Sergeant Duffy Chief Operator Information
Operator
Operator Third operator Second Operator First Man Woman at Henchley
Hospital Second Man (George) Western Union Clerk

(Sound: Number being dialed on phone; busy signal.)

Mrs. Stevenson. (a querulous, self-centered neurotic) Oh—dear! (Slams down receiver. Dials
Operator.)
Operator. Your call, please?
Mrs. Stevenson. Operator? I’ve been dialing Murray Hill 4-0098 now for the last threequarters of an
hour, and the line is always busy. But I don’t see how it could be busy that long. Will you
try it for me, please?
Operator. Murray Hill 4-0098? One moment, please.
Mrs. Stevenson. I don’t see how it could be busy all the time. It’s my husband’s office. He’s working late
tonight, and I’m all alone here in the house. My health is very poor— and I’ve been feeling
so nervous all day—
Operator. Ringing Murray Hill 4-0098.

(Sound: Phone buzz. It rings three times. Receiver is picked up at the other end.)
Man. Hello.
Source: DepEd Grade 9 Learner’s
Material
Elements of Drama Evidence
1. 6. Lucille Fletcher
2. Characters 7.
3. 8.
4. 9.
5. 10.

Learning Task 3:
Directions: Write a storyline for your one-act play. Complete the elements of your drama by filling up the
template below.

1. TITLE “How do you want your play to

be remembered?”
2. CHARACTERS “Who will be playing in
your drama?”
3. SETTING/SCENE “How do you want
your stage to look like in your drama?”
4. EXPOSITION “How do you want to
begin your story?”
5. CONFLICT “What struggle or challenge
will your main character face?”
6. RISING ACTION “How do your
characters react after facing the
conflict?”
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 7.TURNING POINT/CLIMAX “What will
the characters do in facing the
struggles against the conflict of the
story?”
8. FALLING ACTION “What happens to
the characters after facing the conflict?”
9.DENOUEMENT/RESOLUTION “How do
you want to end your story?”

WRA-UP
Drama also known as a play, is a form of literature written intentionally for theatrical performance.
It is usually fictional and most of its parts are consisted of scripted dialogues, or only the acting in some
cases, between characters intended to be performed.
There are two types of drama namely: Tragedy and Comedy. There are also 2 elements of
Drama: Literary elements and the Technical elements. In Literary elements those are the plot, theme,
characters and actors, dialogue, music/rhythm, and spectacle and Setting. In Technical elements,
we have scene, costumes, properties, sounds, lights and makeup. Other elements include
playwright, script, setting and conflict.
The Techniques in Drama are vocal dynamics, body language and mannerisms, use and
awareness of the space and improvisational techniques.
There are commonly used literary devices in drama such as: Figures of Speech, Imagery,
Symbolism, Dynamic Irony and Foreshadowing.

EVALUATION:
Directions: Study and complete each statement below. Write letter of your answer on a separate
answer sheet.

1. In drama, a/an _______________________ is any conversation between two or more people.

A. Actors B. Dialogue C. Monologue D. Script

2. _________________ refers to the range, pitch, and pronunciation of the actors which affect
performance.
A. Improvisational Techniques B. Mannerisms
C. Space D. Vocal Dynamics

3. A/an ____________________________ is lines spoken by one person (it can be to someone else, to
himself/herself, or to the audience).
A. Actors B. Dialogue C. Monologue D. Script

4. A/an _________________ is the the sequence of events in a story.

A. Act B. Plot C. Scene D. Climax

6. A _________________ is a type of literature that is written for the purpose of being read in front of an
audience.
A. Drama B. Dialogue C. Scene D. Script

6. _________________ is a single situation or unit of dialogue in a play.

A. Act B. Drama C. Dialogue D. Scene

7. _________________ is a form of drama in which there is a display of human suffering and catharsis
for the audience.
A. Comedy B. Drama C. Dialogue D. Tragedy

8. A/an _________________ is composed of many scenes.

A. Act B. Drama C. Dialogue D. Scene

9. A _________________ is a form of entertainment meant to be humorous

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 A. Comedy B. Drama C. Dialogue D. Tragedy

10. _________________ is author’s attempt to create a mental picture in the mind of the reader. It
appeals to the senses.
A. Imagery B. Metaphor C. Simile D. Symbolism22

11. _________________ refers to the on-the-spot creativity of the actors.

A. Improvisational Techniques B. Mannerisms
C. Space D. Vocal Dynamics

12. A___________ is a piece of writing in the form of drama composed of dialogue, stage directions and
instructions to the actors and director.
A. Comedy B. Drama C. Script D. Playwright

13. ____________ is used to suggest an upcoming outcome to the story.

A. Imagery B. Dramatic Irony C. Foreshadowing D. Symbolism

14. A____________ refers to the visual elements of a play.

A. Costume B. Props C. Set D. Spectacle

15. A type of character that undergo changes in the text.

A. Actors B. Antagonist C. Flat D. Round

Additional Activity
Directions: Write you own one-scene for a one-act play considering the various elements, techniques,
and literary devices of drama. You may write a common scenario at home. Use the spaces below. You
may also use a separate sheet of paper if necessary. The rubric below shall be used for evaluating your
work.
Rubric for writing a one-act play

Component 4 3 2 1
The work The work considers The work considers The work does not
considers all the most the various some the various consider the various
various elements, elements, elements, elements,
Content
techniques, and techniques, and techniques, and techniques, and
literary devices of literary devices of literary devices of literary devices of
drama. drama drama. drama.
The act has an
The act has an
excellent
appropriate The act has some The act is
formatting and
Organizations formatting and organized flow of confusing/unclear to
very well
organized ideas/story. the reader.
organized
ideas/story.
ideas/story.
The work uses Some of the writing
writing is done using The writing is not
complete is done using
complete done using
sentences. complete
sentences. complete sentences.
sentences.
Conventions Capitalization
Most capitalization Most capitalization
and punctuation Some capitalization
and punctuation are and punctuation are
are correct and punctuation are
correct throughout not correct
throughout the correct throughout
the act. throughout the act
act. the act.

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VI. REFERENCE:
12 CREATIVE WRITING
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module 2: Reading and Writing Drama (One-Act Play)
First Edition, 2020

Department of Education – Davao City Division, Region X

ANSWER KEY

Let us Try
1. False
2. true
3. true
4. false
5. false
Assessment
B 1. D 2. C 3. B 4. A 5. D 6. D 7. A 8. A 9. A
10. A 11. C 12. C 13. D 14. D .15

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 WEEKLY HOME LEARNING PLAN
CREATIVE WRITING
QUARTER 4 – LAS 2
Learning Learning
Day & Time Learning Task Mode of Delivery
Area Competency
6:00 – 7:00
Wake up, make up your bed, eat breakfast, and get ready for an awesome day!
AM
7:00 – 7:30 Have a short exercise/meditation/bonding with family.

WEDNESDAY
Pre Assessment: Write True if the statement is correct and False if it is incorrect.
MELC:
Use the space provided.
 Identify the Learning Task 1: Answer the questions comprehensively.
various
elements, Learning Task 2: Study the text below and identify the elements/literary device
used. Use and complete the table below.
techniques
Personal
and literary Learning Task 3: Write a storyline for your one-act play. Complete the elements submission by the
device of a of your drama by filling up the template below. parent to the
1:00 – 5:00 CREATIVE drama adviser in school
PM WRITING
EVALUATION: Study and complete each statement below. Write letter of your Printed LAS
 Conceptualizi answer on a separate answer sheet.
ng Setting,
Character Additional Activity: Write you own one-scene for a one-act play considering the
and Plot in a various elements, techniques, and literary devices of drama. You may write a
common scenario at home. Use the spaces below. You may also use a separate
one-act play
sheet of paper if necessary. The rubric below shall be used for evaluating your
work.

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Prepared by:
MERLYN A. ARMA Checked by:
Teacher II
FE A. ANABA-AB Recommending Approval:
MT1/Learning Area Coordinator
REBECCA A. ECLEO
MT1/Academic Department Head

Approved:

OBDULIA N. QUIMINALES, PhD

School Principal II

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