Buzz
MLA (Modern Language Association) format is widely used for citations in academic writing. If you're unsure about citing a play in MLA format for your essay, start by understanding the correct format for quoting dialogue from the play, whether it's a prose or verse play.
Steps to Follow
Example Templates
A Structured Approach: Using MLA Format to Cite PlaysIntroducing Play and Author
Begin with the playwright and play title. Prior to delving into character dialogue, provide the author's name and the title of the play. This serves as an introduction to familiarize your reader with the context of the quote.
- For instance, if quoting a character from Edward Albee's play Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, you'd write: In Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, the character Honey says...
Identify the Speaker
Attribute the dialogue to its speaker. When quoting from the play, specify the character who uttered the words. Mention the speaker followed by a present-tense verb like “says,” “states,” or “argues,” separated by a comma from the quote.
- For instance, quoting George from Edward Albee's Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, you'd write: “George says…” or “George states…”.
Enclose Quotes in Quotation Marks
Quoting Dialogue Involving Multiple Characters
Insert a Clear Separation
Format Speaker Names with Indentation
Structure Dialogue with Proper Indentation
Integrate Stage Directions
Citing Quotes from Prose Plays
Integrate Parenthetical Citations
Include Author's Last Name
Specify Play Title and Page Number
Include Page and Act Numbers
Quoting from a Verse Play
Embed Citations in the Text
Specify Act and Scene Numbers
Include Line Numbers
