The plot is the sequence of events that make up the story. A well-constructed plot is crucial for keeping the audience engaged. Most traditional plays follow a three-act structure:

• Act 1: Setup: Introduces the characters, setting, and primary conflict. It sets the stage for what’s to come.

• Act 2: Confrontation: The conflict intensifies, leading to a series of complications and developments.

• Act 3: Resolution: The conflict reaches its climax and is resolved, leading to the conclusion of the story.

Modern plays might experiment with this structure, using one-act formats, non-linear timelines, or episodic scenes. Understanding traditional structure provides a foundation, but feel free to innovate.

Kurt Vonnegut, known for books such as The Slaughterhouse Five and Cat's Cradle, has a lot to say about story structure.

Characters are the heart of your play. They should be well-developed, complex, and capable of growth. Each character should have distinct motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. Think about the following:

• Protagonist: The main character who drives the story forward.

• Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist.

• Supporting Characters: These characters help to flesh out the world of the play and support the main narrative.

Characters reveal themselves through their actions and dialogue. Ensure their voices are distinct and true to their personalities.

Dialogue in a play is your primary tool for conveying the story. Unlike in novels, where you can describe thoughts and settings in detail, plays rely on what characters say and how they say it. Effective dialogue should:

• Advance the Plot: Every line should have a purpose, whether it’s moving the story forward or revealing something about a character.

• Reveal Character: Dialogue should reflect the character’s personality, background, and motivations.

• Sound Natural: Even though dialogue in plays is crafted, it should still feel believable and true to how people speak.

Since dialog is the only verbal or textual information we're going to get from our characters, we're going to spend a little more time here. The example on the left is a short play from David Ives's collection All in the Timing called "Sure Thing." Note how the play progresses as a result of the characters becoming more and more crafty about how they try to get what they want.

Conflict is the driving force of drama. It creates tension and keeps the audience invested. Conflict can be external (between characters or against an external force) or internal (within a character struggling with their own emotions or decisions). Great plays often weave both types of conflict into their narratives.

The theme is the underlying message or central idea of your play. It’s what you want the audience to think about or feel after the curtain falls. Themes can be broad, like love, power, or betrayal, or they can be specific, addressing social issues or personal dilemmas. Ensure your theme is woven seamlessly into the fabric of your story.

While the script is primarily dialogue, stage directions provide critical information about the setting, actions, and movements of characters. They guide the director, actors, and designers in bringing your vision to life. Be clear and concise in your stage directions, but also allow room for creative interpretation. Remember, the setting can be a character in itself, influencing the mood and tone of the play.

Subtext is the underlying meaning behind the dialogue. It’s what’s not said, but implied. Mastering subtext allows you to add depth and complexity to your characters and scenes. It engages the audience, making them active participants in uncovering the true emotions and intentions of the characters.

Pacing refers to the rhythm and flow of your play. It’s how you control the timing of events and the delivery of dialogue to maintain interest and build tension. Varying the pace can heighten drama, emphasize key moments, and keep the audience engaged from start to finish.

Writing a play is just the beginning. Revising your work is crucial. Pay attention to feedback from readings and workshops. Plays are collaborative by nature—directors, actors, and designers will bring their own interpretations to your script. Be open to this collaboration; it often enhances and refines your vision.