Dramatic character controls the dramatic line and character elements. The dramatic line represents the cycles of set-up, action, and suspense that create movement, imagery, and meaning in story, ultimately ensuring that content is told “in character” and not as glorified writing exercise. The dramatic line operates from “point to point,” establishing pace and momentum. The reader will remember that Dramatic form establishes the initial and terminal points of story. The dramatic line (in character) ensures that content between points will pattern into something relevant and meaningful. 

While the dramatic line selects for patterns that create movement, meaning, and empathy, character elements determine what these patterns should be. The dramatic character elements are micro-controls used to segregate substance. They are managed as identity, morality, wisdom, and community. These character elements are the “common elements” in the ADF definition and ensure15 movement is parallel through an ADF system.

In the “story” image earlier mentioned, dramatic character is the “meaning” of the figure that should be carried forward.   

To evaluate dramatic character, define one, or all of, significant identities in each story; generalized community; ritual morality; and implied wisdom, or vision, established by the author.

The strength of the dramatic line (in character) should also be considered.

Key terms in dramatic character:

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