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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/2656-.html
Drama: October 15, 2008 Issue [#2656]

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Drama


 This week:
  Edited by: StephBee Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

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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.


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

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. *Smile*

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 Open in new Window. (13+)
Young Edmund Huet struggles to maintain his family's vineyard during World War II.
#1452559 by StephBee Author IconMail Icon


NEXT: Dreams and Drama

Reference material for this newsletter came from the following:

ASIN: 1879505495
ID #109652
Product Type: Book
Reviewer: StephBee Author Icon
Review Rated: ASR
  Length of :
  Usefulness:
  Overall Quality:
Amazon's Price: $ 9.99


Editor's Picks

I have some drama short stories to share:

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1481574 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#953790 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1435595 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1481741 by Not Available.


 Dirt-Stained Hero Open in new Window. (ASR)
Dirt-Stained Hero is a story of simple heroism in the most desperate of circumstances.
#1481840 by beyondstories Author IconMail Icon


 Endless Reality Open in new Window. (E)
James deals with the recent loss of his wife and future child.
#1482064 by Chris Mystery Author IconMail Icon


Some Drama Activities here on WDC:

The Play's The Thing Open in new Window. (E)
A contest for script writers. Winners announced. New round open.
#1421907 by StephBee Author IconMail Icon


Dramatically Speaking Open in new Window. (E)
25 terms for 25 issues of the drama newsletter
#1309038 by Turkey DrumStik Author IconMail Icon


Drama Forum Open in new Window. (13+)
For those of us drama queens and kings, a forum to swap writing ideas and post questions
#1394242 by Joy Author IconMail Icon


 Hot Drama Poll  Open in new Window. (ASR)
Poll Questions about Drama topics.
#1482259 by StephBee Author IconMail Icon



 
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Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B085272J6B
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Ask & Answer

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!

A pic of me taken 2 years ago.


StephBee Author IconMail Icon 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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