ENG 102 - Drama Research Guide

5. Cite Your Sources in MLA Format

Here are a few examples to help you cite your sources in MLA format:

How to Cite a Play From Your Textbook

Format: Author(s). Title of Play. The Norton Introduction to Literature, edited by Kelly J. Mays, shorter 14th ed., W. W. Norton, 2022, pp. 123-45.

How to Cite a Journal Article

Format: Author(s). "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. #, no. #, Date of Publication, page number(s). Database Name (if electronic), URL.

How to Cite Part of a Book, Ebook, or Encyclopedia

Format: Author(s). "Title of Part." Title of Book, edited by Editor, edition, vol. #, Publisher, Year, page number(s). Database Name (if electronic). URL.

Additional MLA Examples

In-Text Citations for Plays

There are several ways to do in-text citations for plays. Depending on what information you have about your play will determine how you do your in-text citations.

Using Line Numbers

Example: (Hansberry, 1.2. lines 171-9)

*Note: If the text of your play includes line numbers on the side of the page, then replace the page number with the act, scene, and line numbers.

*Note: If you have used the author's name or the play's title in the signal phrase before introducing a quote, you do not need to include it in your in-text citation.

*Note: Once you have established you are citing using line numbers, you can drop the word "lines" in the rest of your citations.

Using Page Numbers

Example: (Wilson 200)

*Note: If lines in your play are not numbered, you can use the page number in your citation.

*Note: If you have used the author's name or the play's title in the signal phrase before introducing a quote, you do not need to include it in your in-text citation.

Sample Drama Paper

In-Text Citations

This in-text citation information will get you started, but see our full In-text Citation Guide for more information and additional examples.