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Literature through performance . . .From Reading to Writing In The Rising of the
Moon, Lady Gregory chose to tell her story in
the form of a drama, or play. Plays have many
of the same elements as narratives—
characters, setting, plot, conflict.
Dramatic Scene
Literature through performance . . .But in a play, dialogue and stage directions are
used to reveal character traits and setting, and to
move the plot forward. Drama is the format used
for skits, television programs, theater productions,
and movies.
Dramatic Scene
B a s i c s i n a B o x
Dramatic Scene at a Glance
RUBRIC Standards for WritingA successful dramatic scene should
• introduce the setting and characters in the opening stage directions
• use the setting and characters to create a convincing world
• develop a clear and interesting situation or conflict
• reveal the personalities of the characters through the dialogue
• use actions as well as dialogue to advance the story
• include stage directions as necessary
The secret of playwriting can be given in
two maxims: stick to the point and
whenever you can, cut.
W. Somerset Maugham, British novelist and playwright
The secret of playwriting can be given in
two maxims: stick to the point and
whenever you can, cut.
W. Somerset Maugham, British novelist and playwright
Writing Your Dramatic Scene1 Prewriting
Writing Your Dramatic Scene1 Prewriting
Begin by thinking about a character or
situation that interests you and involves a
problem or conflict. Another option is to
adapt material from books, movies,
magazines, or even songs.
Planning Your Dramatic Scene
1. Consider the basic elements of your scene. Fill out a chart like the one below to help you identify the elements you need to include.
Characters Setting Plot Stage Directions
Who are the characters?
How do they interact?
When and where does the scene take place?
What events will happen?
In what sequence will they occur?
How will the characters speak?
What is the pace of the scene?
Planning Your Dramatic Scene
2. Think about your audience. Who will read or view your dramatic scene? What language is appropriate for them? What background will they need to understand the setting, characters, and action?
3. Decide on a mood. What general emotional atmosphere do you want to convey? What basic elements of character, setting, and action will help contribute to that mood?
Planning Your Dramatic Scene
4. Explore your scene. How will your
characters interact and speak? You might
write an outline of your scene or jot down bits
of dialogue.
Writing Your Dramatic Scene2 DraftingAs you write a script for your dramatic scene, keep the following points in mind:
Introduce the characters and establish
the setting of your scene. You might
begin by putting a character in a situation
and having him or her talk with another
character.
Writing Your Dramatic Scene2 Drafting Use dialogue and action to advance the
plot. You might collaborate with a partner
to think of various actions and situations
you could include.
Use dialogue to reveal details about the
characters—personalities, interests,
attitudes, and beliefs.
Writing Your Dramatic Scene2 Drafting Use stage directions to describe setting,
costumes, lighting, sound effects, and
props. Stage directions can also indicate
mood through use of gestures, tone of
voice, and characters’ body movements.
Writing Your Dramatic Scene3 Revising
TARGET SKILL
USING DIALOGUE EFFECTIVELY
Your characters’ words should sound natural
when spoken, so read your dialogue aloud.
Use contractions and sentence fragments to
mimic actual speech. Indicate tone of voice or
emotion with precise stage directions.
Writing Your Dramatic Scene4 Editing and Proofreading
TARGET SKILL
FORMATS FOR SCRIPTS
Although the format for stage scripts differs
from the format for television and film scripts,
there are some common conventions to follow.
Dialogue does not have quotation marks.
The name of each speaker is set off so
actors can find their lines easily.
Writing Your Dramatic Scene4 Editing and Proofreading
TARGET SKILL
FORMATS FOR SCRIPTS
Speaking directions follow the name of the character.
Directions for movements appear in the script where the action happens.
General directions for props, lighting, or sound effects for a whole scene appear in a separate paragraph.