Characters, plot and dialogue
As well as the layout of a script, it is important to think about characters, plot and dialogue.
Characters
In a short script, it's best to limit the number of main characters. Too many characters can be confusing and doesn't give you time to let them develop. Stick to fewer than four.
Your characters should come to life. This is achieved through dialogue.
Plot
Usually a play has a conflict, crisis or problem at its centre that needs to be resolved. The characters have to face up to this problem and it is this that makes the play interesting.
The problem at the heart of the play does not need to be particularly unusual or exciting in itself. You could write a short script centred around a number of personal themes, for example:
- Conflict between a parent and teenager about a bad school report.
- Conflict between two friends about a boy/girlfriend.
- A teenager wrongly accused of stealing.
The success of the plot depends on how well it is handled.
You also need to think about how easy it will be to present the plot convincingly on stage. Plots involving spaceships landing, for example, could lead to difficulties.
Dialogue
Good dialogue is central to convincing drama. To make it sound realistic you need to read it out loud to hear what it sounds like.
You also need to think about your characters to know how they would speak. Ask yourself:
- Where does this character come from?
- What age are they?
- What kind of person are they?
- What mood are they in?
- Who are they talking to?
For example:
- Someone from Aberdeen will probably speak differently from a Glaswegian.
- A teacher will probably speak differently from a pupil, even though they come from the same area.
- Your gran probably uses words which are different from yours.
- An angry person is going to speak differently from someone who is calm.