drama

Literary genre of scripted work. A theatrical drama is intended to be performed by actors for an audience. Verse and prose drama can both be performed (often in the same work), although dramas are also sometimes written to be read and not performed. The term is used collectively to group plays into historical or stylistic periods – for example, Greek drama, Restoration drama – as well as referring to the whole body of work written by a dramatist for performance.

Drama is distinct from literature in that it is a performing art open to infinite interpretation, the product not merely of the dramatist but also of the collaboration of director, designer, actors, and technical staff. See also theatre, comedy, tragedy, mime, and pantomime.