how to cite a play script in mla

Daniel Parker

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07-02-2025

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Knowing how to cite sources correctly is crucial for academic integrity. This guide focuses specifically on how to cite play scripts using the MLA (Modern Language Association) style. Whether you're referencing a complete play or just a specific scene, we'll cover the essentials. Mastering this will ensure your research papers are accurate and properly attributed.

Citing a Complete Play

The basic format for citing a complete play in MLA is as follows:

Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. Title of Play. Publisher, Year.

Let's look at an example:

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Penguin Books, 1998.

This simple structure provides the core information needed to locate the source. Notice the italicization of the play's title. This is standard MLA practice for titles of longer works.

Variations and Additional Information

Sometimes, you might need to include additional information. For instance:

• Editors: If the play you're citing has editors, include their names after the author's name, followed by "eds." Example: Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Harold Bloom, Chelsea House Publishers, 2005.

• Specific Edition: If you are using a specific edition (e.g., a Norton Critical Edition), mention this detail after the publisher. Example: Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Norton Critical Edition, W.W. Norton & Company, 2010.

• Translated Works: If the play is a translation, note the translator's name after the title, preceded by "Trans. by". Example: Sophocles. Antigone. Translated by David Grene. University of Chicago Press, 1991.

Citing a Specific Scene or Passage

When referencing a particular scene or passage, you need to add page numbers or act, scene, and line numbers. Here’s how:

Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. Title of Play. Publisher, Year, Act.Scene.Line(s).

For example:

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Penguin Books, 1998, 3.1.56-60.

This indicates lines 56-60 of Act 3, Scene 1. Different editions might have slightly different line numbers, so always specify the edition you're using.

You can also cite a specific passage like this:

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Penguin Books, 1998, 1.5.32.

Remember to be consistent with your citation format throughout your paper.

In-Text Citations

When you quote or paraphrase from a play within your paper, you need to include an in-text citation. This usually consists of the author's last name and the page number or act, scene, and line number in parentheses.

For example:

Hamlet's famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy reveals his internal conflict (Shakespeare 3.1.56-60).

Or, if using a different edition with line numbers:

Hamlet's contemplation of suicide is evident in his famous soliloquy (Shakespeare, Hamlet 3.1.56-60).

Note the use of the italics on the Hamlet play title.

Online Editions

If you are using an online edition, include the URL and the date you accessed it. The format could look like this:

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Shakespeare Online, www.shakespeare-online.com/hamlet/hamlet.html, accessed 15 Oct. 2023.

Always prioritize accuracy and consistency. The specific format may vary slightly based on the edition and any additional information needed. Always check with your professor or instructor for their preferred formatting guidelines.

Remember to consult the most recent MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date guidelines. Proper citation demonstrates respect for intellectual property and helps maintain academic honesty.