How to Write a Radio Serial Drama for Social Development- PDF

30 Chapter Three: Characteristics of Radio Serial Drama
Topics in This Chapter
❖
❖
❖
❖
❖
❖
❖
❖
The meaning of drama
Dramatic conflict
Components of a drama
The structure of a drama
Types of radio drama
The multi-plot nature of the serial
Advantages of multiple plots in an
Enter-Educate serial
The structure of a radio serial episode
The Meaning of Drama
The English word “drama” derives from the Greek word “dran” meaning “to
do.” Thus, a drama is a story performed or “done” by actors on stage, radio,
film, television, in an open field, or even on the street. A drama, like a story,
recounts a chain of events and describes a web of relationships involving a
person or persons. A drama can be true, but more often is fictional.
The major difference between a serial and other types of drama is
duration. While a typical drama lasts one or two hours, a serial continues for
weeks, months, or years. The story is presented in short episodes on a regular
basis, usually once a week or once a day. The typical drama focuses on one
major character and the chain of events and relationships in which he or she
is involved. In contrast, a serial follows the lives and fortunes of several
characters, showing how they relate to and affect one another. A writer must
understand the classic structure and components of a typical drama to be
able to weave the multiple stories of a serial together harmoniously.
Dramatic Conflict
Dramatic conflict is a vital feature of any drama, whether performed on
stage, television, or radio, because it attracts and holds the attention of the
audience. Dramatic conflict refers to the unusual, often unexpected, turns
that occur in all human activities that create uncertainty, tension, suspense,
or surprise. Every event, every circumstance, every relationship in life is
subject to uncertainty. The most careful preparations can result,
inadvertently, in disastrous errors or unanticipated benefits. Even wellintentioned
people can make unwitting mistakes with amusing, tragic, or
sometimes unimportant consequences. Individual people react differently—
sometimes in unexpected ways—to the very same event. These twists and