Modern plays have much in common with other texts: they can be entertaining, informative, political, emotional, comedic, or controversial. However, their structure sets them apart from other texts: plays are written specifically to be viewed and heard on stage, similar to TV shows written to be viewed (hence the term screen-play).

The difference between plays and TV is significant. Although modern plays are entertaining, they are written to be much more meaningful or symbolic. Often, TV or screenplays are written only as a rough plan to keep all production staff unified in the project as they make something entertaining.

Plays are much more deliberate in their construction, and they are often quite creative as a result. Dialogue is written carefully and deliberately for effect, meaning, and power. Each gesture, costume, or change of set, lighting, and props contributes to the meaning of the play. In this section, you will learn a new set of elements of text used by a playwright to communicate the meaning or the purpose of the message.