Senior High School

Creative Writing
Quarter 2 - Module 6
Elements, Techniques, and Literary
Devices in Drama
Creative Writing
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 4 – Module 6: Elements, Techniques, and Literary Devices in Drama
First Edition, 2021

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Writer: Domingo J. Langa, Jr.

Content Editor: Janelle C. Ruiz
Language Editor: Fernando A. Dionisio, Jr.
Illustrator: Christopher Rey D. San Jose
Layout Artist: Rolando N. Javier, Jr.
Content Evaluator: Esperanza S. Nunez
Language Evaluator: Maica Jill N. de Guzman
Layout Evaluator: Rolando N. Javier, Jr.
Management Team: Gregorio C. Quinto
Rainelda M. Blanco
Agnes R. Bernardo
Jay Arr V. Sangoyo
Glenda S. Constantino
Writer: Domingo J. Langa, Jr.
Content
Printed in Editor: Janelle C.
the Philippines byRuiz
Schools Division of Bulacan
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Department EducationRey D. SanDivision
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Layout Artist: Fernando A. Dionisio, Jr.
Content Evaluator: Esperanza S. Nunez
Office Address: Curriculum Implementation Division
Language Evaluator: Domingo J. Langa, Jr.
Learning Resource Management and Development System (LRMDS)
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Management Team: Gregorio C. Quinto
E-mail address: [email protected]
Rainelda M. Blanco
Agnes R. Bernardo
Jay Arr V. Sangoyo
Glenda S. Constantino
 Senior High School

Creative Writing
Quarter 4 - Module 6
Elements, Techniques, and Literary
Devices in Drama
Introductory Message

This Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) is prepared so that you,

dear learners, can continue your studies and learn while at home.
Activities, questions, directions, exercises, and discussions are
carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.

Each ADM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide

you step-by-step as you discover and understand the lesson
prepared for you.

Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on

lessons in each ADM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on
completing this module or if you need to ask your facilitator or
your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of the lesson.
At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to
self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each
activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.

In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teachers

are also provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and
reminders on how they can best help you on your home-based
learning.

Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks
on any part of this ADM. Use a separate sheet of paper in
answering the exercise and tests. Read the instructions carefully
before performing each task.

If you have any questions in using this ADM or any difficulty in

answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your
teacher or facilitator.

Thank you.

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 What I Need to Know

This module provides different activities that will help you identify the various
elements, techniques, and literary devices in drama.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

• determine the different elements in drama;

• distinguish the techniques used in drama;
• recognize literary devices that are used in writing drama; and
• make a dialogue for a scene in a drama.

What I Know
Directions: Write the letter of the best answer on the line provided before each number.
_____ 1. This is everything that happens on the play, the action and the basic storyline of the
story.
a. Theme b. Characters c. Plot
_____ 2. It is the lesson that the audience will eventually learn after seeing the play.
a. Dialogue b. Theme c. Spectacle
_____ 3. This refers to the sound of the dialogue, musicality, pace, etc.
a. Rhythm b. Plot c. Characters
_____ 4. They are storylines that are spoken by characters in a play.
a. Convention b. Dialogue c. Genre
_____ 5. These are people (can sometimes be animals or ideas) portrayed by actors in a
play.
a. Characters b. Actresses c. Conventions
_____ 6. It is everything that you see during a performance.
a. Characters b. Dialogue c. Spectacle
_____ 7. It refers to the type of play. Some examples of these include comedy, tragedy,
mystery and historical play.
a. Audience b. Genre c. Scenery
_____ 8. The different types of methods and techniques used by the director to create a
specific style or effect are called ______.
a. genre b. convention c. empathy
_____ 9. They are considered by playwrights and actors to be the most important element of
drama.
a. Characters b. Audience c. Costumes
_____ 10. It is the use of body, face, and voice to portray a certain role or character.
a. Acting b. Spectacle c. Scenery
_____ 11. This refers to the force that influences the behavior of the character.
a. Empathy b. Character c. Character motivation
analysis
_____ 12. This performance element is how you relate to the experiences of other people.
a. Genre b. Empathy c. Spectacle
_____ 13. These are any moveable objects that appear on stage.
a. Lights b. Sound c. Props
_____ 14. It is the process used in evaluating how the elements in a drama/play are used to
create impact to the audience.
a. Character analysis b. Characters c. Character motivation
_____ 15. It is the particular manner of verbal expression, the diction or style of writing, or the
speech or phrasing that suggests a class or profession or type of character.
a. Language b. Style c. Soliloquy

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Good job! I know you did well. Let’s move on to the next part of our module. Are you ready?
Let’s go!

What’s In

Let’s do a little review of your previous lesson on elements of fiction.

Directions: Rearrange the jumbled letters to form the elements of fiction. Write your answer
for each item on the line after the jumbled letters. Then, match each example of elements of
fiction to its corresponding example found in the box below. Write the letter of your answer on
the line before each number.

______ 1. NICOTCFL _______________________

______ 2. LSSMBYO _______________________
______ 3. EMHTE _______________________
______ 4. OPTL _______________________
______ 5. PITON FO WIVE _______________________
______ 6. INGTEST _______________________
______ 7. ASCATRHCER _______________________

A. “True love never wanes even in old age.”

B. Narrator, Story Teller
C. Iliad, Harry Potter, Crisostomo Ibarra
D. Snake for betrayal, Apple for sin, Dove for peace
E. Man Vs. Man, Man Vs. Himself, Man Vs. Society
F. Exposition, Climax, Denouement
G. Renaissance, WW II, Mt. Olympus

Great job! You did well. You are now ready for the new lesson.

What’s New

Directions: Below is the traditional symbol of drama. In 2-3 sentences, write why the masks
have been used as drama’s emblem. Write your answer on the lines right next to the box. To
check, refer to the sample answer below.

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________
the masks and the emotions being portrayed.
in ancient Greek performances and Shakespearean plays to help the audience who were sitting far away from stage to see
The happy or sad face masks are known as “comedy and tragedy” which is used in theater or drama. The masks were used
Sample Answer:
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 What is It
Elements, Techniques, and Literary Devices in Drama
The elements of drama can be categorized into three major areas: literary elements,
technical elements, and performance elements (drama techniques). Aristotle’s (a Greek
Philosopher) essential elements of drama became the standard elements used in modern
time. There are six (6) literary elements of drama according to him. They are as follows:

1. Plot is what happens in the play. It is the action and the basic storyline of the story.
The plot serves as the skeleton of the story that brings the actions into a cohesive
and more organized form.
2. Theme refers to the meaning of the story. It is the main idea or lesson to be learned
from the story. Others refer to it as the soul of the story. Sometimes, the theme is
obvious; other times it is quite subtle.
3. Characters are the people (sometimes animals or ideas) portrayed by the actors in
the play. It is the characters who move the action or plot of the play forward.
4. Dialogue refers to the words written by the playwright and spoken by the characters
in the play.
5. Music/Rhythm refers to the rhythm of the actors’ voices as they speak. Music and
rhythm help in establishing the mood of the play and build the impelling force that
may lead to a climax.
6. Spectacle is the visual elements of a play: sets, costumes, special effects, etc.
Spectacle is everything that the audience sees as they watch the play.
The Modern Theater
The first four, character, plot, theme and dialogue remain the same, but the following
additions are now also considered essential elements of drama.
● Convention. These are different types of methods and techniques used by the director
to create a specific style or effect.
● Genre. It refers to the type of play. Some examples of different genres include
comedy, tragedy, mystery and historical play.
● Audience. It is the group of people who watch the play. Many playwrights and actors
consider the audience to be the most important element of drama, as all of the effort
put in to writing and producing a play is for the enjoyment of the audience.
Other Literary Elements
1. Language. In drama, the particular manner of verbal expression, the diction or style
of writing, or the speech or phrasing that suggests a class or profession or type of
character.
2. Style. It is the shaping of dramatic material, settings, or costumes in a deliberately
non-realistic manner.
3. Soliloquy. It is a speech by a single actor who is alone on stage.
4. Monologue. It is a long speech made by one actor which can be delivered alone or in
the presence of others.
5. Aside. It is a short comment or speech delivered directly to the audience or to the
actor himself, while others on stage appear not to hear. Only the audience knows that
the character has said something to them.
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Technical Elements

1. Scenery (set). The theatrical equipment, such as curtains, flats, backdrops, or

platforms, used in a dramatic production to communicate environment.
2. Costumes. Clothing and accessories worn by actors to portray character and period.
3. Props (short for properties). Any article, except costume or scenery, used as part of
a dramatic production. It can also be any moveable object that appears on stage
during a performance (e.g. telephone, train, etc.).
4. Lights. The placement, intensity, and color of lights to help communicate environment,
mood or feeling.
5. Sound. The effects audience hears during performance to communicate character,
context, or environment.
6. Makeup. Costumes, wigs, prosthetics, and body paint are used to enhance/change a
person’s image to transform an actor/actress into a character.

Performance Elements (Techniques in Drama)

1. Acting is the use of face, body, and voice to portray character.

2. Character motivation refers to the force that influences the behavior of the character.
3. Character analysis is the process used in evaluating how the elements in drama/play
are used to create impact to the audience.
4. Empathy is the capacity to relate to the experiences or feelings of other people.

Other Performance Elements

1. Speaking is the mode of expression or delivery of lines.

2. Breath control is the proper use of the lungs and diaphragm muscle for maximum
capacity and efficiency of breath for speaking.
3. Vocal expression refers to how an actor uses his/her voice to convey character.
4. Inflection is the change of pitch or loudness of the voice.
5. Projection refers to how well the voice carries or is spoken to the audience.
6. Speaking style is the mode of expression or delivery of lines.
7. Diction is the selection and pronunciation of words and clarity of speech.
8. Gestures are nonverbal expression that refers to any movement of the actor’s head,
shoulder, arm, hand, leg, or foot to convey meaning.
9. Facial expression refers to the physical and vocal aspects used by an actor to convey
mood, feeling, or personality.
Drama can take full use of people’s sense of sight and hearing. It helps bring up one’s
imagination to life. In drama, everything happens right before your eyes. This is the reason
why drama is entertaining to most visual learners. In writing drama, one needs to understand
its difference from theater. Drama is the actual written material or script, containing elements
such as the characters, plot, dialogue, and is usually the first material to be developed in
doing theater. Theater is the actual production and is the enactment and interpretation of the
written material.
Long time ago, drama was written in a fixed formula. Exposition is usually shown
during the first act, the second shows the advanced complication, and the third is crisis, and
the last part is the resolution. Now, writers have more freedom, and they are no longer
confined by this recipe for drama. These days the readers and audience are the focus of
many writers. So, in a way, the reader becomes the director of the drama.
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 What’s More

Independent Activity 1
Directions: Unscramble the underlined letters to come up with the word that best completes
the meaning conveyed in each sentence. Write your answer on the line after each sentence.

1. The TOPL serves as the skeleton of the story that brings the actions into a cohesive
and more organized form. ____________
2. MHEET refers to the meaning of the story. It is the main idea or lesson to be learned
from the story. ____________
3. Music and THYMRH help in establishing the mood of the play and build the impelling
force that may lead to a climax. ____________
4. CEENIDAU is the group of people who watch the play. ____________
5. THYPAEM is the capacity to relate to the experiences or feelings of other people.
____________

Independent Assessment 1
Directions: Define the given words in Column A by re-arranging the scrambled words in the
boxes under Column B. Write your answer on the lines provided for.

Column A Column B
1. Spectacle play the watch as they
that the audience sees everything is
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
2. Audience the most important drama element of
people of group the is who
play the watch and considered as
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
3. Genre refers to the play that includes
comedy tragedy play and historical
mystery type of
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
4. Breath Control use proper lungs is the
of and the diaphragm maximum
muscle for capacity and efficiency
speaking for breath of
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
5. Projection the voice is carried how well
to refers to the audience
spoken is or
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
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Independent Activity 2
Directions: Identify the word being referred to in each statement. Choose your answer
from the box below. Write your answer for each statement on the line before each
number.

Lights Language Theater Acting Makeup

Costumes Characters Drama Scenery Spectacle

_______________ 1. It can take full use of people’s sense of sight and hearing.
_______________ 2. It is the actual production and is the enactment and
interpretation of the written material.
_______________ 3. In drama, it is the particular manner of verbal expression,
the diction or style of writing, or the speech or phrasing
that suggests a class or profession or type of character.
_______________ 4. It is the use of face, body, and voice to portray character.
_______________ 5. It is used to enhance/change a person’s image to
transform an actor/actress into a character.
_______________ 6. It is everything that the audience sees as they watch the
play.
_______________ 7. It is the theatrical equipment, such as curtains, flats,
backdrops, or platforms, used in a dramatic production to
communicate environment.
_______________ 8. They are the people (sometimes animals or ideas)
portrayed by the actors in the play. It is the characters who
move the action or plot of the play forward.
_______________ 9. They are placement, intensity, and color of lights to help
communicate environment, mood or feeling.
_______________ 10. They are worn by actors to portray character and period.

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Independent Activity 3
Directions: Fill the boxes with words related to drama. Then, in 2-3 sentences,
explain the most important element in drama for you. Write your answer on the lines
provided for.

Drama

Elements of Drama

A. B. C.

1. 1. 1.

2. 2.
2.
3. 3.

4. 3. 4.

5. 5.
4.
6. 6.

7. 5. 7.

8. 8.
6.
9. 9.

10. 10.

11. 11.

12. 12.

13. 13.

14.

For me, the most important elements in drama

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Independent Assessment 3
Directions: Cut out any picture that is interesting for you. Paste it in the box below.
Then, make a short script based on your personal interpretation on what really
happened in the picture. The story should at least run for 3-5 minutes. When you’re
done writing the script, answer the questions that follow.

Paste your chosen picture in this box

1. What is the plot of your story? Draw a diagram of the flow of events.
_______________________________________________________
Draw your diagram here:

2. What is the theme or the main idea of your story?

_______________________________________________________
3. Who are the characters?
_______________________________________________________
4. What is your story’s genre?
_______________________________________________________

What I Have Learned

Directions: Complete the idea in the following introductory words. Write your answers
on the lines provided for.

I have learned that _____________________________________________

I realized that _________________________________________________

I need to ____________________________________________________

I plan to _____________________________________________________

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 What I Can Do

Directions: Label each part of the house with the elements, techniques and literary
devices of drama. In 2-4 sentences, explain the reason for your answers below. Write
your answers on the lines provided for.

1. ____________________

2. ____________________

3. ____________________

4. ____________________

5. ____________________

6. ____________________

7. ____________________

8. ____________________

9. ____________________

10.
____________________

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

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 References
A. Books

Buhisan, Arnold Jarn Ford, and Ayesha Sayseng. Creative Writing. Pasay City, Philippines:

JFS Publishing Services. 2016.

B. Electronic Sources

Literary Devices. “Aside”. Accessed January 20, 2021. https://literarydevices.net/aside/

Elupogram. “The Elements of Drama”. Accessed January 16, 2020.

https://www.eluprogram.com/Elements_Of_Drama.pdf

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 For inquiries or feedback, please write:

Department of Education, Schools Division of Bulacan

Curriculum Implementation Division
Learning Resource Management and Development System (LRMDS)
Capitol Compound, Guinhawa St., City of Malolos, Bulacan
Email Address: [email protected]

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