This wide ranging and comprehensive study uses the major frameworks of modern discourse studies to analyze dramatic dialogue. Each chapter includes a theoretical section which explains the major concepts of each framework - be it ethnography, ethnomethodology, conversational analysis, pragmatics or gender studies; the relevence of each framework is explored through textual examples - including the work of Shakespeare, Pinter, Osborne, Chekov and Beckett. Written for undergraduates and postgraduates in English studies, linguistics, stylistics as well as in Theatre studies, this study should be of use to anyone specializing in the areas of talk and interaction.