stage-effect

What are termed great misfortunes, may more forcibly impress the mind of common readers; they have more of what may justly be termed stage-effect; but it is the delineation of finer sensations, which, in my opinion, constitutes the merit of our best novels.

Maria; or The Wrongs of Woman 2002

Individuals of wiser faith, indeed, who knew that Heaven promotes its purposes without aiming at the stage-effect of what is called miraculous interposition, were inclined to see a providential hand in Roger

The Scarlet Letter 2002

By the use of the term _dramatic_ in this connection, let us, in the outset, be understood to have no reference whatever to the theatre and stage-effect, or to the sundry devices whereby the playhouse is made at once popular and intolerable.

The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 04, No. 22, August, 1859 Various

This merit belongs to _book-effect_, as _situations_ belong to stage-effect; the endings of his chapters are like good _exits_ -- we are sure to be curious as to the following page or scene.

The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 13, No. 373, Supplementary Number Various

Individuals of wiser faith, indeed, who knew that Heaven promotes its purposes without aiming at the stage-effect of what is called miraculous interposition, were inclined to see a providential hand in Roger Chillingworth’s so opportune arrival.

IX. The Leech 1917

Though the humour was often prepared, the construction showed a rare mastery of stage-effect.

Oscar Wilde Harris, Frank 1916

He so fits himself to each in turn, that if the effect he produces at one time is less than at another, it is because of some inferiority in stage-effect in the character.

Kean’s Acting 1914

Othello is probably the character best adapted to stage-effect, and Kean has an uninterrupted power over us in playing it.

Kean’s Acting 1914

All these rules one must keep in mind throughout, and further, those also for such points of stage-effect as directly depend on the art of the poet, since in these too one may often make mistakes.

Poetics. English 384 BC-322 BC Aristotle 1911

Though the humour was often prepared, the construction showed a rare mastery of stage-effect.

Oscar Wilde His Life and Confessions Harris, Frank 1910