Scriptwriting Terms

Question 1

What is a chacter?

Accepted Answer

Who the performer in the play purports to be.

Answer

In scriptwriting, a character (A) is the fictional individual or entity that an actor portrays within a play or script. Characters are central to the narrative, driving the plot through their actions, motivations, and interactions. Options B, C, and D describe dialogue, conflict, and a scene, respectively.

Question 2

What is a dialogue?

Accepted Answer

A dialogue between two or more characters.

Answer

Dialogue in scriptwriting refers specifically to the spoken words exchanged between characters. It is crucial for revealing character, advancing the plot, and conveying information. While other options describe elements of a play, dialogue is distinctively the verbal interaction that drives the story forward.

Question 3

What is a conflict?

Accepted Answer

Obstacles that prevent a character from reaching a goal; what the character struggles against.

Answer

Conflict is the driving force of any narrative, including scripts. It arises from the opposition between a character's desires and the obstacles they face, whether internal, external, or interpersonal. This struggle creates tension and propels the story forward, making the character's journey engaging for the audience.

Question 4

What is a scene?

Accepted Answer

A single moment or unit of discourse in a play, as well as its surroundings.

Answer

A scene is a fundamental structural unit in a script, typically defined by a continuous block of action in a single location and time. It represents a distinct segment of the story where characters interact and events unfold. Scenes are the building blocks that collectively form acts and the entire narrative.

Question 5

What is a setting?

Accepted Answer

A scene's time and location.

Answer

The setting establishes where and when a scene takes place, providing crucial context for the action and dialogue. It informs the audience about the environment, era, and atmosphere, influencing character behavior and plot developments. In a script, the setting is typically indicated at the beginning of each scene heading.

Scriptwriting Practice Test

Scriptwriting Practice Test

Scriptwriting Terms