The Well Made Play

The Well Made Play is a dramatic structure developed in 19th-century theater, characterized by a tight, coherent plot that follows a specific formula. Typically, it features a clear exposition, rising action, a climax with a turning point, and a resolution. Key elements include a strong central conflict, suspenseful situations, and intricate relationships among characters. This style often ends with a tidy resolution, where loose ends are tied up. Playwrights like Eugène Scribe are notable for this format, influencing modern storytelling in theater, film, and television by establishing expectations for narrative and character development.