Playwriting can feel complicated even though it shares similarities with other styles of writing. The difference between narrative and drama is that dramatic writing is meant to be performed. Therefore, playwright not only plans the basic story elements of the play, but also how it unfolds on stage with the collaboration of many other theatre artists. That may feel daunting, but thankfully there are some basic steps a writer can take to get the story started. In this video, we'll explore some essential aspects of playwriting, with examples of how to execute them effectively.
Perhaps the most crucial elements in a play are character development and dialogue. Characters are the heart of any play, and it's important for them to be believable and relatable to an audience. For example, instead of simply stating that a character is angry, a playwright may place the character in situations where they show anger through their reactions to and dialogue with the situations and characters who surround them. This not only makes the character more realistic but also engages the audience more effectively. Before writing, you may find it helps to think about a simple moment from your character’s everyday life. What is a simple action or ritual they repeat each day? What would happen if something disrupted that situation to the point where they needed to address it? There is a great exercise for creating this moment posted on the old New Jersey Young Playwrights blog that can still be accessed here.
Dialogue should sound natural and reveal information about characters and plot as the story moves from beginning to end. A simple approach to writing believable dialogue is to borrow from conversations that you have heard in your daily experience. Perhaps your character shares similarities with a friend or family member. How can you use the way that person speaks as a model for your character? Be careful when using this approach that you do not make the character so realistic that they are a copy or a stereotype of the person you know. Another way to achieve natural dialogue is by using subtext. For instance, instead of having characters say exactly what they mean, let their words convey deeper meanings and hidden agendas. This adds layers to the dialogue and makes it more engaging for the audience.
Finally, structure is essential. A well-structured play includes a clear beginning, middle, and end, with each part contributing to the overall story. One way to ensure a strong structure is by using the three-act format. This doesn't mean your play needs three separate acts, instead think of this as three individual sections of the story. The first act introduces the audience to your characters as they go about their everyday lives and ends with the introduction of a major disruption, or conflict. The second act further develops the conflict and the tension it causes for the main character as they struggle to resolve that conflict and return to everyday life. Finally, the third act provides an ending to the play. Here’s another tip: finish the play by ending the conflict, but leave the main character's fate changed, open-ended, or not completely resolved. This kind of ending allows an audience to imagine what will happen next. It also feels a bit more like real life where not every journey ends cleanly... and it may just leave room for you to write a sequel the next time!
By focusing on character development, dialogue, and structure, playwrights can create compelling and engaging plays that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. Try using these basic steps the next time you set out to write a new play. It may also help you get through writer’s block, or to finally complete that play you haven't been able to finish!