Outline and Drama Paper

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SAMPLE DRAMA BODY PARAGRAPHS

The paragraph below is an example of how to frame a quotation of DIALOGUE (two characters speaking). Note that each character’s name is capitalized, and that each character is given a new, indented line. Finally, note that there are NO QUOTATION MARKS in this example, and that the parenthetical citation is outside the final period. The paragraph resumes on the left margin.

One of Oedipus’ greatest flaws, or his hamartia, is pride. Throughout Oedipus Rex, Oedipus firmly believes in his own greatness, no matter what his actions show to be true. When the oracle Tiresias tells Oedipus that Oedipus himself is the true villain in his kingdom, Oedipus denies the claim and immediately looks for someone else to blame, even pointing the finger at his own brother Creon:

OEDIPUS: Creon! Is this Tiresias’ conspiracy or yours?

TIRESIAS: Creon is not your downfall, no, you are your own. (475)

Even as the Oracle assures Oedipus that he is the one responsible for his doom, Oedipus is too proud to even consider the possibility. If Oedipus had been less prideful and listened to the warning of the oracle, he might have saved himself some suffering in the end. However, we soon learn that his denial leads to his untimely death.

The paragraph below is an example of how to frame a quotation of MONOLOGUE (only one character speaking in the quotation). The quotation here is set off with only a comma, the character’s name is not used before the quote, and the parenthetical citation is put inside the end punctuation. Note that the paragraph does not break for this type of quotation.

The theme of bad luck or ill timing pervades the majority of Romeo and Juliet, beginning with the description of them as star-crossed in the opening monologue. It is further emphasized in their descriptions of each other. After their encounter on the balcony and professions of love for each other, Juliet describes Romeo as, “My only love sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unkown and known too late!” (1.5). Her description of him is ultimately a pair of paradoxes – that is, statements that fly in direct contradiction with each other. Her lover is the son of her family’s enemy. She saw him and fell for him before realizing who he was; we can naturally assume she would have preferred the opposite order of events. These ideas in opposition sum up the running theme of being “star crossed” or ill-fated, the conflict which ultimately leads to the deaths of the lovers.