Which element of drama tells the actor what to do?

1. Analyze the question The question asks which element of a play gives instructions to the actor, telling them what to do (how to move, speak, or behave on stage).

2. Explain the concept A written play has two main parts of text:

• Dialogue: the words the characters speak to one another.
• Stage directions: instructions from the playwright, usually in italics or brackets, that describe actions, movements, tone, expressions, entrances and exits, lighting, sound, and setting.

3. Work through the options

• A. Dialogue: This is what the actor says, not an instruction on what to do.
• B. Stage directions: These tell the actor and director how to move, where to stand, how to deliver a line, and when to enter or exit. For example: (Enters angrily, slamming the door). This fits the question.
• C. Cast: This is the list of actors or characters in the play. It gives no instructions.
• D. Scenes: These are divisions of an act, marking changes in time or place. They give no instructions to actors.

4. Answer The correct option is B. stage directions.

5. Exam tip Remember: Dialogue = what is said; Stage directions = what is done. If a Literature question mentions "instructions" to actors, think of stage directions, which are often in brackets or italics.