Final answer:
Plays differ from novels in that they primarily consist of characters' dialogues and stage directions, without descriptive narration. Dialogue in plays carries the burden of revealing character traits, relationships, and settings, and it contributes to the pacing of the narrative. Reading a play is a unique experience, as the dialogue must convey all story elements, relying on spoken word and actor interpretation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differences between Dialogue in Plays and Novels
Dialogue in plays is quite distinct from that found in novels. This uniqueness arises because plays are structured predominantly around characters' dialogues and stage directions, unlike novels which comprise both dialogues and descriptive narration. Character lines in plays are the utterances of characters—what they say to each other and in monologues—and are crucial in conveying story elements without the benefit of narrative exposition.
Reading a regular novel, readers immerse themselves in a richly-textured world filled with the author's detailed descriptions of settings, characters' internal thoughts, and actions. In contrast, a play's dialogue must work harder to reveal everything about the play, including character backgrounds, relationships, settings, and plot dynamics. For instance, a character's education, vocation, and economic status can be discerned through the uniqueness of their spoken word.
Furthermore, where novels can afford the luxury of expounding through internal monologue or third-person omniscient viewpoints, plays rely on dialogue to inform us about relationships and locations. In a professional environment within a play, dialogue might be more formal, whereas in an intimate setting, characters might interrupt one another, showing a closer relationship. The rhythm of dialogue also plays a key role in determining the tempo of the narrative, contributing to the overall pacing and emotional resonance of the play.
It's important to note that while prose in novels often includes dialogue within quotation marks, in plays, anything following a character's name is considered dialogue, with stage directions typically italicized to guide actors' physical movements. This fundamental structure is what makes reading a play an entirely different experience from reading a novel.