Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments (ORELA) Practice Exam

What are the primary elements of drama?

1. Characterization and metaphor

2. Dialogue and setting

3. Plot and exposition

4. Rhythm and rhyme

The correct answer is: Dialogue and setting

In drama, dialogue and setting are essential components that contribute significantly to the storytelling process. Dialogue serves as the primary means through which characters express themselves, convey emotions, and advance the plot. It allows the audience to understand the relationships between characters and provides insights into their motivations and conflicts. Setting, on the other hand, establishes the context in which the drama unfolds. It includes the time and place of the action and can influence the tone and atmosphere of the play. A well-developed setting helps the audience visualize the environment in which the characters operate and adds depth to the narrative. Considering the other options, while characterization and metaphor, plot and exposition, and rhythm and rhyme may play roles in various literary forms, they do not encompass the fundamental elements of drama as effectively as dialogue and setting do. Thus, the focus on these two elements highlights their critical importance in the field of drama.