Answer to Question #158449 in English for Chris

Question

How do playwrights use dialogue and stage directions to show changes in plot and character?

Answer 1

Playwrights have unique ways of shaping the plot and making characters whose engagements become enthralling to the viewers. By utilizing dialogue and stage direction at their disposal, playwrights can effectively show changes in plot and character. Through dialogue (the back-and-forth interchange of lines), the characters reveal more information regarding themselves and their situations to enlighten their personalities. The scripted exchanges between characters provide the audience with essential information to understand and follow the plot. For instance, does the character talk in a sarcastic, humorous, frustrated, or angry tone? These differences enhance the significance beyond the factual words. Besides the dialogue, a playwright uses stage direction to show changes in character and plot. The method helps to reveal the actions of the character while on stage. For instance, sipping a glass of wine, Anne crosses to the table and picks up the telephone. She pauses for a while, then dials. In the middle of dialing, she looks at it and then fixes the receiver while trembling. The stage direction reveals the character, actions, state of mind, and numerous other activities that shape and develop the plot.