Humor:
* Wit: This can be achieved through clever dialogue, puns, wordplay, and sarcasm.
* Satire: This involves using humor to critique societal norms, institutions, or individuals.
* Farce: This is a type of comedy that relies on physical humor, exaggerated situations, and slapstick.
* Irony: This involves a contrast between what is said or expected and what actually happens.
Other literary elements:
* Comic relief: Introducing a humorous character or scene to break tension in a dramatic moment.
* Foolishness: Portraying characters with comical flaws or misunderstandings.
* Lightheartedness: Using light and playful language, setting, or music to create a cheerful atmosphere.
* Unexpected twists: Using unexpected plot turns to surprise the audience and create laughter.
Ultimately, the best way to lighten the mood of a play is to use a combination of these elements in a way that is both entertaining and appropriate for the story.
It's also worth noting that "lightening the mood" can be achieved in different ways depending on the play. Sometimes it's about adding a moment of levity to a tense situation, while other times it's about shifting the overall tone of the play to something more comedic.