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Irony involves a contrast between expectations and reality. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more about a situation than the characters. Example: In 'Oedipus Rex', the audience knows Oedipus’s true parentage before he does.

A flashback is a scene that takes place before the present time in the story, providing background information about events or characters. Example: 'Death of a Salesman' uses flashbacks extensively.

An aside is a brief remark by a character towards the audience that other characters on stage are presumed not to hear. Example: Iago’s asides in 'Othello' reveal his deceitful plans.

A soliloquy is a speech given by a character alone on stage, used to reveal their thoughts and feelings to the audience. Example: Hamlet's 'To be, or not to be' speech.

A monologue is a long speech by one actor in a play, which may be heard by other characters. Example: The 'All the world's a stage' speech from 'As You Like It'.

Stage directions are instructions in the text of a play, detailing actions, movements, or the setting. Example: [Aside] or [Exits], indicating how characters should behave on stage.

Foreshadowing is a literary device used to give an advance hint of what is to come later in the story. Example: In 'Romeo and Juliet', the protagonists’ eventual demise is hinted early on.

Exposition is the delivery of essential background information about characters, setting, and plot. Example: The opening of 'The Crucible' provides context for the witch trials in Salem.

Dialogue is the conversation between two or more characters in a play. It drives the plot and reveals the characters' relationships. Example: The witty banter between Beatrice and Benedick in 'Much Ado About Nothing'.