Which term describes the tone, feeling, or impression given by a drama that is sensed by the audience?

The term that best describes the tone, feeling, or impression given by a drama and sensed by the audience is mood or atmosphere. This concept encompasses the emotional landscape of a performance and is crafted through various elements such as the script, acting, music, and staging. It sets the emotional tone of a scene and can evoke specific feelings or reactions from the audience, enhancing their overall experience of the drama.

Mood or atmosphere is crucial in shaping how an audience interprets the action and messages of the performance. For example, a dark and tense atmosphere can elevate the sense of suspense in a thriller, while a light and joyful mood can create a sense of comfort and happiness in a comedy.

In contrast, emotion refers to the feelings expressed by characters rather than the overall impression conveyed to the audience. Theme encompasses the underlying messages or concepts explored in the drama but does not directly relate to the audience's immediate emotional response. Finally, setting pertains to the physical context in which the drama unfolds, including time and place, but does not inherently convey the mood or atmosphere itself. Thus, mood or atmosphere is the most fitting choice for describing the audience's impression of a drama.