Drama

Dra ma
Drama is a literary genre that involves the performance
of written dialogue and action, typically by actors on a
stage. It is designed to be performed in front of an
audience, making it distinct from other literary forms
like novels or poetry.
 Key ch ara cteris tics of
dra ma include:
1. Dialogue: The primary mode of
expression in drama, where characters
speak to each other. This dialogue
drives the plot and reveals character
traits.
Emma: (sipping her coffee) It's been ages since we last met. How have you been, Jake?
Jake: (smiling) I've been good, just busy with work. How about you? How's everything
going?
Emma: (leaning forward) Oh, you know, the usual. Work, family, and trying to find some
time for myself. By the way, did you hear about Sarah's new job?
Jake: (raising an eyebrow) No, I didn't. What's she up to now?
Emma: (excitedly) She's working at that new tech startup downtown. She's really loving
it!
Jake: (nodding) That's great to hear. Sarah always had a knack for tech. We should all
get together sometime and celebrate.
Emma: (smiling) Absolutely! Let's plan something soon. It's about time we had a proper
catch-up.
 Key ch ara cteris tics of
dra ma include:
2. Conflict: Central to drama, conflict can
be internal (within a character) or external
(between characters or against a larger
force). It creates tension and propels the
narrative forward.
Characters:
• Anna: The eldest daughter, determined and strong-willed.
• John: Anna's younger brother, rebellious and frustrated.
• Mrs. Smith: Their mother, trying to keep the peace.
Dialogue:
Anna: (angrily) John, you can't just drop out of school! What are you thinking?
John: (defiantly) I'm tired of being told what to do, Anna. I want to make my own decisions for once.
Mrs. Smith: (pleadingly) Please, both of you, calm down. We need to talk about this rationally.
Anna: (ignoring her mother) Rationally? There's nothing rational about throwing away your future,
John!
John: (raising his voice) My future? Maybe I don't want the future you and Mom have planned for
me. Maybe I want something different!
Mrs. Smith: (trying to mediate) John, we just want what's best for you. Dropping out isn't the
answer.
Anna: (firmly) Listen to Mom, John. You're making a huge mistake.
John: (shouting) No, Anna! The mistake is thinking you know what's best for me. I'm done listening to
you!
Mrs. Smith: (tearfully) Please, let's not fight. We need to find a solution together.
 Key ch ara cteris tics of
dra ma include:
3. Characters: Drama features a cast of
characters, each with distinct
personalities, motivations, and roles within
the story.
Characters:
• Anna: The eldest daughter, determined and strong-willed.
• John: Anna's younger brother, rebellious and frustrated.
• Mrs. Smith: Their mother, trying to keep the peace.
Dialogue:
Anna: (angrily) John, you can't just drop out of school! What are you thinking?
John: (defiantly) I'm tired of being told what to do, Anna. I want to make my own decisions for once.
Mrs. Smith: (pleadingly) Please, both of you, calm down. We need to talk about this rationally.
Anna: (ignoring her mother) Rationally? There's nothing rational about throwing away your future,
John!
John: (raising his voice) My future? Maybe I don't want the future you and Mom have planned for
me. Maybe I want something different!
Mrs. Smith: (trying to mediate) John, we just want what's best for you. Dropping out isn't the
answer.
Anna: (firmly) Listen to Mom, John. You're making a huge mistake.
John: (shouting) No, Anna! The mistake is thinking you know what's best for me. I'm done listening to
you!
Mrs. Smith: (tearfully) Please, let's not fight. We need to find a solution together.
 Key ch ara cteris tics of
dra ma include:
4. Plot: The sequence of events that make
up the story. In drama, the plot is often
structured into acts and scenes.
Title: The Reunion
Setting: A small town high school, 10 years after graduation.
Plot:
1. Exposition: The story begins with invitations being sent out for the 10-year high school
reunion. Former classmates, now in their late twenties, prepare to return to their
hometown for the event. The main characters include Sarah, a successful lawyer; Mike,
a struggling artist; and Emily, a stay-at-home mom.
2.Rising Action: As the reunion approaches, old memories and unresolved issues
resurface. Sarah is nervous about seeing her high school sweetheart, Mike, whom she
left behind to pursue her career. Mike, on the other hand, is anxious about revealing his
lack of success. Emily is excited to reconnect with her friends but feels insecure about
her life choices.
3.Climax: During the reunion, tensions come to a head. Sarah and Mike have a heated
argument about their past relationship, with Mike accusing Sarah of abandoning him.
Emily tries to mediate but ends up revealing her own frustrations about feeling
unfulfilled.
4. Falling Action: After the argument, the characters take some time to reflect. Sarah
realizes that she has been too focused on her career and has neglected her personal
relationships. Mike acknowledges that he has been holding onto resentment and needs to
move on. Emily decides to pursue her passion for writing, which she had put aside for her
family.
5. Resolution: The reunion ends on a hopeful note. Sarah and Mike make amends and
agree to stay in touch as friends. Emily feels empowered to follow her dreams. The
characters leave the reunion with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper
understanding of themselves and each other.
 Key ch ara cteris tics of
dra ma include:
5. Setting: The physical and temporal
environment where the action takes place.
This can be conveyed through stage
directions and dialogue.
Setting: A small, quaint village in the English countryside during the early 1900s. The
scene takes place in the village square, which is bustling with activity.

Description: The village square is a charming, cobblestone plaza surrounded by quaint

cottages with thatched roofs. The air is filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter as
villagers go about their daily routines. A large oak tree stands proudly in the center of
the square, its branches providing shade to a group of children playing nearby. Market
stalls line the edges of the square, offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, and various
trinkets. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafts from the bakery on the corner,
enticing passersby. In the distance, the church bell tolls, signaling the start of the
afternoon.
 Key ch ara cteris tics of
dra ma include:
6. Stage Directions: Instructions in the
script that guide actors' movements,
expressions, and interactions with props
and scenery.
Title: The Secret
Setting: A dimly lit living room, late at night. A single lamp casts a warm glow over a cozy
armchair and a small coffee table. The sound of rain pattering against the window can be heard.
Characters:
• Alice: A woman in her early thirties, sitting in the armchair, looking anxious.
• Tom: A man in his late thirties, standing near the window, looking out into the night.
Scene:
Alice: (sitting in the armchair, wringing her hands nervously) Tom, we need to talk.
Tom: (turns away from the window, walks slowly towards Alice, and sits on the edge of the
coffee table) What is it, Alice? You look worried.
Alice: (takes a deep breath, looks down at her hands) There's something I've been keeping from
you. Something important.
Tom: (leans forward, concern etched on his face) What do you mean? What is it?
Alice: (hesitates, then looks up to meet Tom's eyes) I... I found out something about my past.
Something that changes everything.
Tom: (reaches out to take Alice's hand, squeezing it reassuringly) Whatever it is, we'll face it
together. Just tell me.
Alice: (nods, tears welling up in her eyes) Okay. Here it goes...
Stage Directions:
• Lighting: The lighting should be dim, with a single lamp casting a warm glow over the
scene. This creates an intimate and tense atmosphere.
• Sound: The sound of rain pattering against the window should be audible throughout the
scene, adding to the mood.
• Props: A cozy armchair, a small coffee table, and a lamp are the main props. Alice's
nervous hand-wringing and Tom's reassuring hand squeeze are key actions.
• Movement: Tom's movement from the window to the coffee table and his leaning forward
to take Alice's hand are important for showing his concern and support.
 Key ch ara cteris tics of
dra ma include:
7. Themes: Underlying messages or
central ideas explored in the drama, such
as love, power, betrayal, or justice.
Example Themes

Love
⚬ Example: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
⚬ Description: The theme of love explores the intense and often tragic relationship
between Romeo and Juliet, highlighting the power and consequences of romantic love.
Power
⚬ Example: Macbeth by William Shakespeare
⚬ Description: The theme of power examines Macbeth's ambition and the corrupting
influence of power, leading to his downfall and the chaos that ensues.

Betrayal
⚬ Example: Othello by William Shakespeare
⚬ Description: The theme of betrayal is central to Othello, as Iago's deceit and
manipulation lead to tragic consequences for Othello and Desdemona.
Freedom
⚬ Example: Les Misérables by Victor Hugo (adapted into a musical)
⚬ Description: The theme of freedom is depicted through the characters' fight for justice
and liberation in the face of oppression and hardship.

Survival
⚬ Example: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (adapted into a play)
⚬ Description: The theme of survival is depicted through the characters' fight to stay
alive in a dystopian world, highlighting resilience and resourcefulness.

Conflict
⚬ Example: Antigone by Sophocles
⚬ Description: The theme of conflict is central to Antigone, as the protagonist defies the
king's orders, leading to a clash between personal duty and state law.
Thank You