Meaning, Types, and Features of Drama in Literature

WHAT IS A DRAMA? 

Drama is a form of literature that is written to be performed by actors on a stage before an audience. It shows human actions, emotions, and conflicts through dialogues and actions, not just narration.

In simple words: Drama is a story told through acting and dialogue.

Example:

1. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

2. The Lion and the Jewel by Wole Soyinka

 

TYPES OF DRAMA 

Drama can be classified into several types based on the tone, theme, and purpose.
Here are the main types –

1. Tragedy

A tragedy is a drama that tells the story of serious and sorrowful events.
It usually ends unhappily, often with the death or downfall of the main character.

Examples:

A. Macbeth by William Shakespeare

B. Oedipus Rex by Sophocles

Sentence Example: In a tragedy, the hero usually suffers because of his own mistakes or fate.

 

2. Comedy

A comedy is a light-hearted drama that aims to amuse and entertain the audience.
It usually has a happy ending.

Examples:

A. Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

B. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

Sentence Example: A comedy makes the audience laugh and ends joyfully.

 

3. Tragicomedy

A tragicomedy combines elements of both tragedy and comedy.
It has serious situations but may end happily or include humorous moments.

Examples:

A. The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare

B. A Winter’s Tale by Shakespeare

Sentence Example: Tragicomedy mixes sadness with laughter.

 

4. Farce

A farce is a comedy full of exaggeration and absurd situations.
It aims to make the audience laugh through ridiculous actions or mistakes.

Examples:

A. The Comedy of Errors by Shakespeare

B. A Trip to Scarborough by Richard Sheridan

Sentence Example: In a farce, characters often find themselves in silly or impossible situations.

 

5. Melodrama

A melodrama is a dramatic play with exaggerated emotions and strong moral themes. It often has good characters and bad characters, with good triumphing in the end.

Examples:

A. Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

B. Many old soap operas and television dramas

Sentence Example: Melodrama appeals to the emotions and often ends with justice being served.

 

6. Opera

An opera is a drama set entirely to music, where the story is told through singing and orchestra.

Examples:

A. The Magic Flute by Mozart

B. Carmen by Bizet

Sentence Example: In an opera, actors express their feelings through music instead of speech.

 

7. Mystery and Morality Plays

These are religious dramas that were popular during the Middle Ages.
They taught moral lessons or biblical stories.

Examples:

A. Everyman (a morality play)

B. The Second Shepherd’s Play (a mystery play)

Sentence Example: Morality plays taught lessons about good behavior and the consequences of sin.

 

MAIN FEATURES (ELEMENTS) OF DRAMA 

Here are the key features or elements that make up a drama

Feature	Meaning / Description	Example / Note
1. Plot	The sequence of events or storyline in the play.	Every drama has a beginning, middle, and end.
2. Characters	The people or roles who take part in the action.	Hero, villain, king, servant, etc.
3. Dialogue	The spoken words between characters.	It helps the audience understand the story.
4. Setting	The place and time where the story happens.	e.g., A palace, a village, or a battlefield.
5. Conflict	The struggle or problem between characters or forces.	e.g., Good vs. Evil, Love vs. Duty.
6. Theme	The main idea or message of the play.	e.g., love, jealousy, power, betrayal.
7. Stage Directions	Instructions for movement, tone, and actions given by the playwright.	Usually written in brackets [ ].
8. Audience	The people who watch the play.	Drama is meant to be performed, not just read.

 

SUMMARY 

1. Drama is a story performed through dialogue and action.

2. It can be tragic, comic, or mixed.

3. Its main features are plot, characters, dialogue, conflict, setting, and theme.

4. The purpose of drama is to entertain, teach, or move the audience emotionally.