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Speaking figures

Structure
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

The distinct voices, personas, or characters who articulate different parts of a poem, each contributing perspective, tone, or narrative function within the poetic structure.

Detailed Definition
Speaking figures: Characters, personae, or personifications within a poem that have distinct voices and speak either to each other, to the reader, or in dramatic monologue, creating a cast of vocalized presences.
Example
Example in poetry:
Lists of characters who speak in dramatic poetry; identification of voices in verse drama; rosters of personas in multi-character works; speaking roles in poetic performances
Additional Notes
Characters who speak in dramatic or narrative poetry; may be listed at beginning like dramatis personae; helps readers track speakers in multi-voice works; important in verse drama and dramatic sequences
Also Known As
Dramatis personae Character voices Persona list Cast of characters
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