Classroom drama

Disciplines > Storytelling > Plots > Classic story types > Classroom drama

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

The setting for the classroom is typically with students in their late teens. Two ends of the spectrum are popular for stories. At the upper end, the story is about brilliance and advantage as we see the cream of youth having a good time as they strive and excel. There are pranks, love stories and tales of enthralled learning.

At the other end, a class full of disadvantaged students cause their teachers unending problems as they are more concerned with social status than academic learning.

Classroom dramas often involve inspirational teachers who save the lost from the gutter and help students reach for the stars.
There is also a style of drama which is not so much classroom-based but largely uses the school as a backdrop. Students are seen clutching books, but that is about all. The real story is their social life.

Example

Dead Poet's Society
John Brown's Schooldays
Dangerous Minds

Discussion

We have all been in school and so schools provide a familiar backdrop. Our schooldays were likely turbulent times filled with their own drama as we struggled with adolescence and growing up, as well as history and science.

Perhaps we also had a teacher who inspired up and maybe prevented us from becoming a drop-out and wasting our lives. Or perhaps we wish we did.

Stories about young adults are also perfect opportunities to explore the troubles and thrills of early romance. Hunky guys woo gorgeous girls and the spotty but genuine nerd wins the heart of the heroine who eventually realizes that shallow morons do not make good boyfriends.