Question 1: Describe how a playwright might use stage directions to show a character's emotional state during a tense scene.

Answer: A playwright might include stage directions such as 'clenches fists,' 'voice trembling,' or 'paces nervously' to indicate the character's heightened emotions and internal tension.

Question 2: Identify and explain two different techniques a playwright might use to create suspense in a scene.

Answer: A playwright might use quick, short dialogues to increase pace and build tension, or include pauses and silence to create anticipation. Both techniques focus the audience’s attention and heighten emotional impact.

Question 3: How can the use of dialogue reveal a character’s personality? Provide an example based on a typical teenage character.

Answer: The way a character speaks—such as using slang, sarcasm, or formal language—can reveal their personality traits. For example, a teenage character might use slang like 'whatever' or 'like,' indicating a casual or rebellious attitude.

Question 4: Explain the importance of the title of a play and how it can give clues about the main themes.

Answer: The title often hints at the central message or theme of the play, encouraging the audience to think about the main ideas. For example, a title like 'The Lost Voice' suggests themes of silence or suppression.

Question 5: Sketch a simple character map for a protagonist and an antagonist, including their basic traits and motivations.

Answer: A correct sketch would show two characters with labels indicating traits such as 'brave,' 'selfish,' 'kind,' or 'deceitful,' and motivations like 'seeking justice' or 'wanting power.' The map should clearly differentiate their roles.

Question 6: Identify a moment in a script where a character’s tone of voice might change and explain how this affects the audience’s understanding.

Answer: A character might go from speaking softly to shouting during a confrontation. This change signals intense emotion, alerting the audience to the importance of the moment and the character’s feelings.

Question 7: Describe how a playwright might use symbolism in a script to convey deeper meaning.

Answer: A playwright could use a recurring object, like a broken mirror, to symbolize fractured identity or broken relationships, adding layers of meaning for attentive viewers.

Question 8: Draw a brief scene layout showing the placement of two characters on stage during a confrontation. Include notes on their positioning and body language.

Answer: A correct sketch would depict two figures facing each other, with one standing assertively and the other appearing defensive or retreating. Notes might include 'staring fiercely,' 'arms crossed,' or 'leaning forward.'

Question 9: Explain the difference between direct and indirect dialogue and how each can influence an audience’s perception.

Answer: Direct dialogue involves characters speaking plainly to each other, revealing explicit information. Indirect dialogue hints at feelings or motives without stating them directly, encouraging the audience to read between the lines and interpret subtext.

Question 10: Select a scene from a well-known play or story and analyze how the playwright creates contrast between characters to highlight differences in their personalities.

Answer: In 'Romeo and Juliet,' Shakespeare contrasts Romeo’s passionate, impulsive nature with Juliet’s thoughtful, mature attitude through their dialogue and reactions, emphasizing their differing personalities and perspectives.