 Drama: January 03, 2024 Issue [#12336] |
This week: Why the Drama? Edited by: Joy  
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“We must start a play at a point of decision, because that is the point at which the conflict starts and the characters are given a chance to expose themselves and the premise.”
― Lajos Egri, The Art of Dramatic Writing: Its Basis in the Creative Interpretation of Human Motives
“I believe that one of the most sound ideas in dramatic writing is that in order to create the universal, you must pay very great attention to the specific. Universality, I think, emerges from truthful identity of what is.
Lorraine Hansberry”
In dramatic writing, the very essence is character change. The character at the end is not the same as he was at the beginning. He's changed-psychologically, maybe even physically.
Robert Towne
As a writer, I haven't delved into dramatic writing. As an actor, I could always, even more so than comedy, do drama.
Jonah Hill
Hello, I am Joy , this week's drama editor. This issue is about drama itself and dramatic writing.
Thank you for reading our newsletters and for supplying the editors with feedback and encouragement.
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Welcome to the Drama newsletter
When someone overreacts or says something that creates excitement or histrionics, I usually ask, “Why the drama?”
Come to think about it, a person overreacts when, given the circumstances, they are experiencing an emotional response, such as hurt, fear, rage, and guilt, greater in impact than normal. If one screams when falling off a mountainside, that would not be an overreaction; however, if one screams while stumbling over a small pebble, that would probably be an overstatement or drama created to attract attention.
The same “getting attention” principle can apply to the drama genre and dramatic writing. The trick is, if as the writer, you want to get attention, you should write your dramatic piece in such a form that it doesn’t become an overstatement, and yet, it makes your readers become emotionally involved with what you have written.
The purpose behind dramatic writing is multi-faceted, whether you are a playwright, a screenwriter, or a creator of stories. Among the many purposes of dramatic writing are: entertainment, reflection of human experience, catharsis, and social commentary. As entertainment and reflecting human experiences are also common among the other genres, I am going to say a few words on catharsis and social commentary.
Catharsis, because it creates a powerful emotional experience for the readers or the audience by letting them release tension over the events and a sense of emotional resolution. To write a successful catharsis, creating well-developed, complex, and relatable characters are a must. Their motivations, flaws, and internal conflicts make the readers care about them from the start. So, when you establish a strong conflict or a central problem early in the story, you can create a sense of anticipation and suspense.
Then, especially later on when these characters are allowed to confront their fears and challenges and they make difficult decisions, this anticipation and suspense can resonate emotionally with the audience. Also, consider hiding or misdirecting expectations and introducing surprising twists. Addressing universal themes--such as love, death, war, pity, fear, horror, misery, sadness, or tragedy--will also help the drama in your story.
Still, for the catharsis, in addition to characters’ significant emotional arcs, symbolic elements that are part of the theme or themes can carry an emotional weight; especially if the plot is well-structured and has foreshadowing, pacing, and timing, plus other elements that tie everything together in addition to the varying rhythm of the story.
Then, if things get too grim, introduce a tiny bit of humor deftly, here and there, as in: “There live not three good men unhanged in England: and one of them is fat.”
From Shakespeare’s King Henry IV (Act 2, Scene 4)
Dramatic writing can also deal with complex social issues such as inequality, discrimination, justice, and power dynamics. This may be best shown through powerful dialogue between the characters to show different viewpoints, challenge social norms, and contribute to the main theme. Also, characters undergoing personal growth and change can serve as stepping stones for social commentary. Their transformation may reflect the broader societal changes needed or challenge prevailing attitudes and systems.
Satirical elements and humor can be employed to highlight absurdities, contradictions, and hypocrisies within society. This approach allows you, the writer, to critique societal norms in an entertaining and thought-provoking manner. This brings to my mind the British TV series “Yes, Minister” and “Yes, Prime Minister,” immediately.
To wrap it up, dramatic writing is a rich, versatile, and pliable form of storytelling that engages, challenges, and resonates with audiences on various levels.
May all your drama rise to immeasurable heights and shine to entertain and engage us, first here in Writing.com, and then, the world.
Until next time... 
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 This Issue's Tip: You can shed light on cultural practices, traditions, and norms. By questioning and challenging such aspects, you can prompt audiences to reevaluate their own cultural values and beliefs. But first, make a list of such practices and traditions and work from that list.
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Feedback for "Plots from Our Own Lives"
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Elisa: Snowman Stik 
A good amount of my most recent writing draws from my real life. In fact, my floundering NaNo project draws heavily from recent history I have been living through in my city. I suspect the closeness of that history has been one of the reasons I've struggled with block on this project. At least I got to 15K words before the block (trauma?) kicked in. I also managed a slice of life during the prewriting phase that has become a part of my port.
Thanks for the response,  Elisa, and much good luck to you with the project, not that you'd need one. Recent history is very difficult to write about. That's for sure. But knowing your work, I'm confident you'll handle it perfectly.
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Princess Megan Snow Rose 
Thank you for including my Write From Life Folder and my heartfelt passages about the houses that built me. It means a lot. Always: Megan
Thanks for your response, Megan. I loved the idea of houses building you.
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Quick-Quill 
I will sometimes insert my experiences or events into my stories
That is a very good practice because, this way. our own real feelings about our experiences can also be reflected more realistically inside our stories and characters, better than through made-up situations.
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