Question

The following passage from The Importance of Being Earnest is an example of which dramatic element?

Answer 1

The exchange is dialogue.  The two characters are talking to each other--not themselves or the audience directly.

Answer 2

The answer is: dialogue.

When in a play two characters engage in conversation, discussion or whatever other form of direct communication between them, we are talking about the dramatic element called dialogue. This element can be easily identified since, just like in real life, it involves two or more characters or persons talking to each other out loud and exchanging meaningful information.