Crafting in-text citations for drama requires different strategies than those used when citing poetry or prose. The following are some general guidelines for in-text citation of drama; please see section 6.40 of the MLA Handbook, Ninth Edition for more detailed information.
- When referencing the dialogue of only one character, include details of the Act, Scene, and Line in your citation if that information is included in your source.
- Example: A short time later, Lear loses the final symbol of his former power, saying "O, reason not the need!" (2.4.258)
- When quoting a conversation between two or more characters in a play, start the quote on a new line, indented 1/2 inch from the left margin. Write the name of the first speaker in capital letters, followed by a period and the speaker's line(s). Do the same for the next speaker(s) as necessary. If the quote you are using for one of the speakers continues onto another line, it is indented an additional amount. (MLA, 258)
Example:
OTHELLO. I will deny thee nothing!
Whereon I do beseech thee grant me this,
To leave me but a little to myself.
DESDEMONA. Shall I deny you? No. Farewell, my lord. (3.3.83-85)
