HNL TUTORS

Match & Master: Structure Techniques

Drag a term from the left column to its matching definition on the right.

Entrances and exits

Timing of revelations

Dramatic irony

Reversal

Act structure

Stage directions

Use of pauses and silence

Order of events

Character positioning on stage

Cyclical structure

Contrast between characters or scenes

Audience positioning

Structural focus on a central figure

Use of off-stage events

Final moral or message placement

When characters enter or leave the stage.

Used to introduce conflict or shift power.

When key information is revealed to characters or the audience.

Builds tension and controls impact.

The audience knows something the characters do not.

Creates tension, judgement, or criticism.

A change in status, power, or understanding.

Often exposes hypocrisy or truth.

How the play is divided into acts.

Each act usually escalates conflict or message.

Lighting, movement, pauses, positioning.

Shape mood and guide audience reaction.

Pauses signal tension, shock, or guilt.

Silence can be more powerful than speech.

The sequence of scenes and interactions.

Determines how ideas unfold.

Who dominates the space, who is isolated.

Reflects power and relationships.

Ending mirrors the beginning (ideas repeat or are challenged).

Juxtaposition highlights differences in values or attitudes.

How the audience is encouraged to feel or judge characters.

One character drives the action or message.

Important events happen off stage but influence action.

The message is delivered at the end for maximum impact.