Common Dramatic Situations
A play isn't just a bunch of people standing
around talking. Something has to happen! Over the years, a number of people
have said that there is only a small set of basic situations that are
at the root of all stories. The following are some of the situations that
a French man named Georges Polti came up with. Maybe they will give you
some ideas as you are writing your play.
- Unfortunate Person Rescued from Trouble
- Unwise Actions with Bad Results
- Ambition
- Revenge for a Crime
- The Fugitive / Pursuit
- Mistaken Jealousy
- Mistaken Judgment
- Loss of Loved Ones
- Recovery of a Lost One
- Getting Something Through Persuasion or Force
- Hatred between Family Members
- Rivalry between Family Members
- Self-Sacrifice for an Ideal
- Self-Sacrifice for a Family Member
- Necessity of Sacrificing Loved Ones
- Rivalry of Superior and Inferior
- Obstacles to Love
- Crimes of Love
- Discovery of the Dishonor of a Loved One
- Conflict with God
- Mystery
- Revolt
- Daring Hero
- Abduction
- Total Disaster
More Help With Playwriting
Your teacher may have examples
of plays that you can look at.
You may also want to visit
the Playwriting
Seminars web site for advice.
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