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The Dramatic Writer's Companion: Tools To Develop Characters, Cause Scenes, And Build Stories

The Dramatic Writer's Companion: Tools To Develop Characters, Cause Scenes, And Build Stories

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Moss Hart once said that you never really learn how to write a play; you only learn how to write this play. Crafted with that adage in mind, The Dramatic Writer’s Companion is designed to help writers explore their own ideas in order to develop the script in front of them. No ordinary guide to plotting, this handbook starts with the principle that character is key. “The character is not something added to the scene or to the story,” writes author Will Dunne. “Rather, the character is the scene. The character is the story.” Having spent decades working with dramatists to refine and expand their existing plays and screenplays, Dunne effortlessly blends condensed dramatic theory with specific action steps—over sixty workshop-tested exercises that can be adapted to virtually any individual writing process and dramatic script. Dunne’s in-depth method is both instinctual and intellectual, allowing writers to discover new actions for their characters and new directions for their stories. Dunne’s own experience is a crucial element of this guide. His plays have been selected by the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center for three U.S. National Playwrights Conferences and have earned numerous honors, including a Charles MacArthur Fellowship, four Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Awards, and two Drama-Logue Playwriting Awards. Thousands of individuals have already benefited from his workshops, and The Dramatic Writer’s Companion promises to bring his remarkable creative method to an even wider audience.

Details of Book

ISBN13: 9780226172545
ISBN10: 0226172546
Language: English
Publication Year: 2009
Format: Paperback

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A note on book covers: while we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.

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  • One Line Summary

    A creative toolkit to craft compelling characters and stories.

  • Who is this book for?

    If you're diving into playwriting or scriptwriting, this book is like having a seasoned mentor by your side. Dunne's approach emphasizes character as the heart of drama, guiding you through practical exercises that help you uncover deeper layers of your characters and plot. It's especially valuable for writers who want to blend theory with tangible steps, making the creative process both instinctive and structured.

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