dramatis personae

plural noun

dra·​ma·​tis per·​so·​nae ˌdra-mə-təs-pər-ˈsō-(ˌ)nē 

ˌdrä-, 

-ˌnī

1

: the characters or actors in a drama

2

singular in construction : a list of the characters or actors in a drama

3

: people who figure prominently in something (such as an event)

Examples of dramatis personae in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Violet, the prettiest girl in school, dies in the first chapter (no spoilers—she is listed as dead in the dramatis personae). —Literary Hub, 26 May 2026

The similarities are deep, and come from a passage describing the book’s colorful dramatis personae. —Frank Landymore, Futurism, 1 Apr. 2026

Courtney Cox’s Gale Weathers is among other Scream dramatis personae are back for part seven. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 1 Mar. 2026

Although the dialogue and its sole American character are invented, the events and the remainder of the dramatis personae are drawn from fact. —David Benedict, Variety, 7 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for dramatis personae

• cyperaceae
• immunoassay
• rubiaceae
• umbelliferae
• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae

Kids Definition

dramatis personae

plural noun

dra·​ma·​tis per·​so·​nae ˌdram-ət-əs-pər-ˈsō-(ˌ)nē 

ˌdräm-, 

-ˌnī

: the characters or actors in a play

Etymology

modern Latin