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Literature vocabulary · Drama and Theatre

Dramatis personae

Meaning in literature, with examples

nounAdvanced term

In literature, dramatis personae means: The list of characters in a play, often with brief descriptions.

In Turkish: oyun kişileri listesi

How it is used

Use for the cast list printed in a play, rather than the actors assigned to a particular production.

Example sentences

  1. The dramatis personae identifies the two strangers as brothers before the dialogue reveals it.

    The printed list gives readers knowledge that spectators may initially lack.

  2. We checked the dramatis personae to distinguish the servant from the messenger.

    The reference list clarifies two roles that could otherwise be confused.

Common collocations

  • consult the dramatis personae
  • list the dramatis personae
  • playA piece of writing for the theatre, made up of dialogue and stage directions, that actors perform in front of an audience.
  • characterA person, or sometimes an animal or creature, who takes part in the events of a story, play or poem.

More terms: Drama and Theatre

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