Final answer:
An apostrophe is used when a character in a literary work addresses an absent person or entity as if they were present. This device is exemplified by Juliet's dialogue in the balcony scene of 'Romeo and Juliet.' Understanding and conveying the emotional undertones is key to acting out such lines effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a character in a play speaks to someone who is not present or to an inanimate object, it is known as an apostrophe. This is a literary device in which the character addresses someone absent as though they are present and can respond. A classic example of this is in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, where Juliet speaks to the absent Romeo during the famous balcony scene. This device is distinct from stage directions or descriptions within a play, where actions and settings are conveyed through italics or explicit instructions to the actors.
In acting and directing, understanding the emotions behind such dialogue is crucial, even if the original Shakespearian language is modified or cut. Actors often utilize their 'spidey-sense' to convey the underlying emotions of the characters to the audience, helping them grasp the emotional context even when the language is not fully understood. Rhetoric and a deep understanding of character motivations are essential for delivering such lines effectively, ensuring that the emotional impact is not lost even when adaptations are made for modern audiences.