WRITING PLAYS

Chapter 10

The person who makes a successof living is one who sees his goalgoal steadily and aims for itit unswervingly. That is dedication.

Cecil B. DeMille

I. Rules In Writing Plays A. Basic Style Applies to Several Media B. Requires a Motivating Ingredient

1. Drama is heightened life 2. Important elements may be reversed C. Evolution of Writing Plays

D. Major Elements in the Play Structure 1. Plot 2. Character 3. Dialogue

II. Seven Concepts In Writing A Play A. Unity B. Plot C. Character D. Exposition

E. Preparation F. Dialogue G. Setting

III. Radio Plays A. Theater of the Imagination 1. Place, setting, characters unlimited 2. Narrator is a necessity B. Script Leaves Nothing to Chance

IV. Theatrical Films A. Original Works B. Adaptations 1. A difficult process 2. Books, stage, etc. 3. Process

C. Writing the Script 1. Exposition + Conflict = Rising Action 2. Conflict + Complications = Climax and Resolution

If people cannot write well, theycannot think well; if theycannot think well, otherswill do their thinking for them.

George Orwell