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

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

Among the complicated web of interrelated islanders, who are thankfully listed in the book’s dramatis personae, is Garrick Williams, the pompous local pastor who harbors a shameful secret. —Heller McAlpin, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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