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.