- Dialogue: Drama primarily relies on spoken word (dialogue) to convey the story, characters, and themes. Through dialogue, characters reveal their thoughts, emotions, and motivations, driving the plot forward.
- Action: In addition to dialogue, physical actions and gestures play a significant role in drama. The movements, mannerisms, and interactions of characters help to express their emotional states, relationships, and reactions to events.
- Characters: Characters are integral to drama. They embody the themes and drive the story arc through their interactions, decisions, and conflicts. Character development often follows a specific trajectory, involving transformation, growth, or decline.
- Plot: The plot refers to the sequence of events that make up the dramatic narrative. It typically includes an exposition (introduction of characters and setting), rising action, climax, falling action, and a resolution.
- Theme: Drama often explores complex themes and conveys its message symbolically. Themes can range from social issues to human emotions, ethics, or universal truths that the play's events and characters illustrate.
- Set and props: The set design, including scenery, furniture, and other elements, establishes the play's setting and atmosphere. Props serve to support the action and convey additional meaning.
- Costumes: Costumes provide visual cues about characters' identities, social status, time period, and cultural context.
- Lighting: Lighting design significantly impacts the mood, atmosphere, and transitions in a dramatic production.
- Sound design: Sound effects, music, and other auditory elements enhance the production and contribute to the overall emotional impact of the performance.
- Style and genre: Dramas can adopt various styles, including realism, expressionism, naturalism, surrealism, and more. The genre influences character development, plot structure, themes, and overall tone.
It's important to note that while these codes and conventions represent foundational elements of drama, their application and interpretation may vary based on the artistic choices and creative vision of individual theater practitioners.