 Drama: October 21, 2009 Issue [#3343] |
  Drama
This week: Edited by: Adriana Noir  
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In this issue, we will discuss how to use drama to add excitement to your work and why to avoid going over the top.
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Drama, unlike a lot of genres, impacts many of us in our day-to-day life. It could be something as small as opening the fridge in search of milk for our morning cereal or coffee, only to find someone replaced the empty carton without a word. Or, something far more dreaded, like car trouble. Point being, we all have problems. In hindsight, it could be said these unexpected issues add spice and variety to or lives. They add the element of surprise and bring conflict where there would be none.
This short list of examples can lead to an entire story if one looks hard enough. Say the person looking for the milk is a single mom. Maybe her ex was abusive or is reluctant to let the relationship go. She doesn’t have the time or money to run out the door to get more milk, and running late for work, goes to her car with an empty stomach. The car not starting could be a catalyst of sorts. Perhaps her ex tampered with it . . . or maybe this small stroke of bad luck opens the door for a new relationship with a handsome mechanic or tow truck driver.
Using small things to add drama and inspire plot can work for an author in search of ideas. Every day presents hundreds of opportunities. The trick is not to play into them too much. Utilize them without crossing the line into melodramatics. Sure, it is okay to have your character grumble, but should she flop down into the middle of the floor in a fit of tears? Cry like her world is ending?
As a writer, we want our audience to like or characters and to be able to relate to them. While keying into character emotion can create a bond between reader and fiction, bouts of overreacting or extreme melodrama will create a sense of alienation. We all know someone like this, be it a friend, relative, or acquaintance, and often their bouts of hysterics can generate a feeling akin to nails scraping on a chalkboard.  We don’t tell them that, because we don’t want to hurt their feelings, but trust me, your audience might not be so kind. It might be best to save this kind of dramatic flair for your antagonists.
Melodrama centers around stereotypes and exaggerated emotional responses. To avoid turning drama into melodrama, key into emotion without overplaying your hand. There is a lot to be said for quiet strength. If we, as people, are having a bad day, we manage to convince ourselves that it is not the end of the world. Writers sometimes need to do the same with our characters before they speak.
That is unless you are looking to write a super hyped version where your readers might laugh or cringe!
Best wishes and happy writing! 
~Adriana Noir
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Just to be fair, I should mention that not all melodramatic stories or characters are painful or funny. It depends on the story and what you, as an author are trying to convey. Sometimes what could be considered exaggerated emotions or circumstances fit. Sometimes they bring intended comedic relief. Here are some good ones I found in my hunt. 
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| |  | Sixth Sense (E)
A melodramatic monologue/heart pour about my first love.
#1586375 by Lynn |
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