What is an act in a play?

An act in a play is indeed a major division that encompasses multiple scenes. This structural element of a play helps organize the narrative and allows for the progression of the story to unfold in a cohesive manner. Each act typically represents a significant segment of the plot, often marked by a shift in the storyline, character development, or the introduction of new themes or conflicts. By grouping scenes under acts, playwrights can build tension, create climaxes, and guide the audience through the emotional journey of the characters.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately define an act. A minor division within a scene refers to smaller elements like beats or units of action, which contribute to the overall flow but do not encapsulate a larger narrative segment. A summary of the story does not reflect the structural components of a play but rather conveys the overall plot without the intricacies involved in acts or scenes. Lastly, a character's monologue is a speech given by a single character, which may occur within an act but does not represent the division of the play itself. Thus, the identification of an act as a major division that encompasses multiple scenes is well-founded and accurate.