Common Features of Drama

1. Structure:

   • Dramas are usually organized into acts and scenes.
   • Most plays have between 3 and 5 acts and follow a pattern called Freytag’s Pyramid. This pattern includes five parts:
     • Exposition (the beginning)
     • Rising action (things start to build up)
     • Climax (the most exciting part)
     • Falling action (things start to calm down)
     • Resolution (the ending).

2. Dialogue:

   • The main way stories are told in dramas is through dialogue.
   • About 90% of a play is made up of what the characters say.

3. Performance:

   • Drama is meant to be acted out, not just read.
   • According to the American Theatre Wing, around 27% of Americans go to see at least one play each year.

4. Characters:

   • Characters are very important in drama.
   • They usually grow and change through conflicts and how they are shown on stage.

5. Themes:

   • Dramas often explore big ideas like love, conflict, betrayal, and identity.

How Drama is Different from Other Types of Writing

• Narrative Structure:

  • Unlike novels and short stories, dramas don’t have long descriptions in the beginning.

• Visual Elements:

  • Dramas focus on how things look on stage and use props, which is different from just reading.

• Audience Reaction:

  • The way the audience reacts during a performance is special to drama.
  • This is different from reading a book alone, where you don't get immediate feedback.