Introduce the name and author of the play in the sentence or sentences preceding the direct play quotations. For example: In "Hamlet," Shakespeare defined the theater as follows, “whose end, both at the first and now, was and is, to hold, as ‘twere, the mirror up to nature” (3.2.21-23). The direct quote of the play is listed in quotation marks.
Place beginning and ending quotation marks around the quoted excerpts of the play. If the excerpts amount to more than four lines of text, use the block quotation format. The block quotation format places an introductory paragraph naming the play and author followed by a colon. A new paragraph, indented 10 spaces without quotation marks, then lists the play quotations.
Add the number of the act, the scene number and the line numbers of the play excerpt in parenthesis at the end of the quotation. The act, scene and line numbers should be separated by periods. The parenthetical segment is placed beyond the ending quotation marks if there are any and followed by a closing period. For example: “…nature” (3.2.21-23).
Quote the exact wording of the play, using all spellings as specified in the play. Do not change any wording in the play, other than adding quotation marks at the beginning and end of the four lines or less quoted material. An ellipsis may be used to eliminate unnecessary or lengthy portions of the play that do not help to make your point. For example: “To be or not to be, that is the question…” is acceptable usage of the ellipsis.
List the complete source of your play in your reference or works cited material at the end of the essay. The format will vary according to the type of work in which you found your play. Books, websites and newspaper columns have differing formats in which to be listed. Check with your instructor for directions to follow.