Features of a Play Script
A play script is a written document that outlines the dialogues,
actions, and stage directions for a theatrical performance. Below
is a more detailed explanation of its key features, along with
examples.
1. Title and Playwright
Every play script starts with a title and the name of the
playwright (author of the play).
Example:
Hamlet
By William Shakespeare
2. Characters List (Dramatis Personae)
A list of characters is provided at the beginning, sometimes with
descriptions of their roles and relationships.
Example:
Characters:
• HAMLET – Prince of Denmark
• CLAUDIUS – King of Denmark, Hamlet’s uncle
• GERTRUDE – Queen of Denmark, Hamlet’s mother
• OPHELIA – Daughter of Polonius
3. Acts and Scenes
Plays are divided into acts (major sections) and scenes (smaller
divisions within acts).
Example:
Act 1, Scene 1 – A dark, foggy night on the battlements of
Elsinore Castle.
In modern plays, one-act plays are common, while classical
plays have 3–5 acts.
4. Dialogue
A play is mostly made up of dialogue (spoken lines by
characters). Character names are written in capital letters,
followed by their lines.
Example:
HAMLET: To be, or not to be, that is the question.
OPHELIA: My lord, I do not know what to think.
5. Stage Directions
Stage directions provide guidance on how characters should
move, act, or feel. They are written in italics or parentheses and
are not spoken aloud.
Example:
(Hamlet walks to the window, looking thoughtful.)
HAMLET: (softly) What a piece of work is man...
(Ophelia enters, looking distressed.)
6. Setting and Time
At the beginning of each scene, a brief description of the
location and time period is provided.
Example:
Act 2, Scene 3 – A garden outside the palace. The sun is setting,
casting a golden glow over the trees.
Modern scripts might include detailed descriptions for set
designers.
7. Props and Costume Details
Certain props (objects used by actors) and costume details may
be mentioned in the script.
Example:
(HAMLET picks up a skull, examining it.)
HAMLET: Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio.
Here, the skull is an important prop in the famous graveyard
scene.
8. Subtext and Themes
• Subtext refers to the unspoken meaning behind dialogues.
• Themes are the underlying messages in a play.
Example:
• In Shakespeare’s Othello, the theme of jealousy is explored
through Iago’s manipulations.
• In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, the theme of mass
hysteria reflects the Salem Witch Trials.
9. Conflict and Resolution
Every play has a central conflict (problem) and resolution
(ending).
Example of Conflict:
• In Romeo and Juliet, the conflict is the feud between the
Montagues and Capulets.
Example of Resolution:
• In The Tempest, Prospero forgives his enemies, bringing
peace to the island.
10. Genre and Style
Plays come in different genres, affecting their structure and tone.
Examples:
• Tragedy: Hamlet – ends in death and sorrow.
• Comedy: A Midsummer Night’s Dream – full of humor and
mistaken identities.
• Drama: Death of a Salesman – a serious, emotional story.
• Musical: Hamilton – combines dialogue with songs and
choreography.
Example of a Short Play Script
Title: The Last Train
By: Alex Johnson
Characters:
• JAMES – A businessman in his late 40s.
• SARAH – A young woman, lost in thought.
• CONDUCTOR – A train conductor.
Scene: A dimly lit train station. A train whistle is heard in
the distance.
(James paces nervously. Sarah sits on a bench, staring at her
phone.)
JAMES: (checking his watch) The train should’ve arrived by
now.
SARAH: (without looking up) They said it’s delayed.
JAMES: Just my luck. I can’t afford to be late.
(The CONDUCTOR enters, adjusting his hat.)
CONDUCTOR: Apologies, folks. The last train has been
canceled due to weather conditions.
(James sighs in frustration. Sarah finally looks up.)
SARAH: Well, looks like we’re stuck here together.
(Lights fade out as the station clock chimes midnight.)
