Dialogue Discussion

By now, you’ve (hopefully) read the three scenes from the awesome play, Topdog/Underdog. I provided a series of questions after each scene:

What is the rhythm/pace of this scene?

How can you tell? (Hint: Look at the stage directions.)

What do we learn about the brothers’ characters and points of view?

Questions from Topdog/Underdog scenes

One thing I want everyone to continue to think about is how Parks used stage directions to enhance her dialogue. Not only do the stage directions show us the emotions she wants the audience to see/feel/hear, they build a rhythm and pace to the brothers’ interactions.

Note especially the (rest) or the stacking of names to indicate that the brothers are involved in activities during conversation. Just like when you write poetry, white space in dialogue is very important.

Be sure to read this week’s Assignment page!