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A dramatic symbol is a prop, object, gesture, movement or articulation in a theatrical or dramatic context that carries distinct symbolic meaning and adds to the complexity of a theatrical work or play. A dramatic symbol can be generated by an actor on stage, or it can be part of the theatrical design or stage picture. Mostly, dramatic symbols are suggested in a script or are designed by the director of a play. However, they can also emerge spontaneously in improvised dramatic work.
A symbol, in its basic sense, is a conventional representation of a concept; i.e., an idea, object, quality, quantity, etc. In more psychological and philosophical terms, all concepts are symbolic in nature, and representations for these concepts are simply token artifacts that are allegorical to (but do not directly codify) a symbolic meaning, or symbolism.
From the most general systemics perspective, as used on maps, a symbol is a communication means: it is a graphical, written, vocal or other physical object which, usually in a syntetic sense, is used to the representation of another, more complex, physical or abstract object, or an object property.
The word "symbol" came to the English language by way of Middle English, from Old French, from Latin, from the Greek σύμβολον súmbolon from the root words σύμ- (sym-) meaning "together" and βολή bolḗ "a throw", having the approximate meaning of "to throw together", literally a "co-incidence" (zu-fall), also "sign, ticket, or contract".
A symbol can be a material object whose shape or origin is related, by nature or convention, to the thing it represents: for instance, the cross is the main symbol of Christianity, and the scepter is a traditional symbol of royal power.
More often, a symbol is a conventional written or printed sign (specifically, a glyph), usually standing for anything other than a sound (symbols for sounds are usually called graphemes, letters, logograms, diacritics, etc.).
The discipline of semiotics studies symbols and symbol systems in general; semantics is specifically concerned with the main meaning of words or other linguistic units.
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