What term describes the speech of characters in a drama?

The term that describes the speech of characters in a drama is "Dialogue." In a dramatic context, dialogue is the written conversation between characters that conveys their thoughts, feelings, and interactions. It serves as a crucial tool for character development, driving the plot forward, and allowing the audience to understand the relationships and tensions among characters.

While diction refers to the choice of words and style of expression that characters might employ, it does not specifically capture the interactive nature of character speech. Elements of fiction encompass various components of a narrative, such as plot, setting, and character, but do not specifically refer to how characters communicate. The term "explicit" generally relates to clear and direct statements, but does not pertain specifically to the speech of characters. Thus, dialogue is the most precise term for describing the spoken exchanges among characters in a drama.