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Generally speaking, drama's main emphasis is on play or screenwriting. The main element of the play or script is the character. The main character must be dynamic and interesting. Keeping with a "halloweeny" theme for October, "shadows" are a wonderful way to show the dynamic change a character goes through in the course of a play. |
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Shadows & Light
No one is totally good or evil. Between the kindness and darkness there is the "shadow." Simply, a shadow is that less developed part of us (and our characters) that we don't like to admit is there. It contains the mean-spirited harmful side of ourselves. It's what makes us and all good characters deliciously complicated.
Here's an example: A long suffering, sweet woman who has been abused by her husband discovers him cheating. She snaps and kills him. The shadow could only take so much before it let itself out - pushed beyond what would be considered "reasonable."
As a writer, when you tackle shadows, adding them into your characters, you'll find it will deepen your work. Audiences connect with characters who struggle with their shadows. There is nothing more satisfying than to watch the human spirit triumph over the darkness within. For me, this summer's blockbuster, "The Dark Knight," is a fascinating study into "shadows and light."
The "light" are those qualities used to represent the goodness in us all. Challenge yourself by listing your shadows and light. I'll use EDMUND from "War and Wine," the play we're putting together.
LIGHT
energetic
respectful
loyal
SHADOWS
doubtful
apprehensive
fearful of the Nazis
So how do we put Edmund's shadow into play and make him a more complicated character? By showing anger, apprehension, and his fear of the Nazis.
Once you tap into your shadow as a writer you can bring it out in your characters.
WRITING EXERCISE: "The Dastardly Deeds Challenge"
Make a list about things you were told not to do. (for example, don't lie) Now make a list about the most wild, daring or embarrassing things you've done. Do you feel horror, shame, fear, guilt or trepidation? That feeling is your shadow. 
EDITOR'S CHALLENGE:
Write a vignette (1,000 words or less) about a long suffering wife who snaps and does something dastardly to her abusive, cheating husband. Submit it to the Drama newsletter. The best one will win a "Drama" merit badge.
The next scene for our working play, "War and Wine" has been added. Check it out. Feedback welcomed. |  | War and Wine (13+)
Young Edmund Huet struggles to maintain his family's vineyard during World War II.
#1452559 by StephBee |
NEXT: Dreams and Drama
Reference material for this newsletter came from the following:
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I have some drama short stories to share:
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Some Drama Activities here on WDC:
|  | Drama Forum (13+)
For those of us drama queens and kings, a forum to swap writing ideas and post questions
#1394242 by Joy  |
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larryp
Hi Steph.
I like your point about not preaching. I once read a book about writing by a Christian author. One of the things she advised that one guard against is 'preaching.' It is always good to 'show' and let the reader decide for him/herself.
Thanks for an instructional newsletter.
~~Larry
I agree, Larry. "Showing" means a lot. Thanks for writing in!
StephBee is a 911 Dispatcher for LAPD. Her short story, "Spontaneous Decision" placed 8th in the 77th Annual Writer's Digest competition under the Mainstream/Literary category. There were over 17,000 entries total. You can find the story in her port or on her official website. |
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Drama: October 15, 2008 Issue [#2656]
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