1. Get a Good Overview
   1. Peferably Mind Maps
   2. Synopsis
   3. Characters
   4. Themes
   5. Background
   6. Soliloquies
   7. Quotes
   8. Speeches
2. Read a great plot synopsis
   1. Act by Act
   2. Scene by Scene
   3. Get a good overview of the story
3. Get an annotated copy of the work
   1. Helps with words you don't understand
   2. You don't waste time looking up words
   3. Easier to focus on content
4. Quickly read through the play
   1. Framework in step 1 will help
   2. Brain will 'hook' onto overview
   3. Gives you a good 'feel' for the play
5. Watch a good production of the play
   1. BBC productions normally are closest to original
   2. Get other productions that closely represent play
   3. Read the play as you watch
6. Read the play again
   1. Fill in details
   2. Get a firm grasp of topics in overview
   3. Know how characters, themes, etc. are interrelated