Plays

Character analysis of Eddie Carbone, protagonist from A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller.

Synopsis of Glengarry Glen Ross script with essay tips on characters, themes, and quotes. Also include an analysis of Alec Baldwin's monologue from Glengarry film.

Understanding the themes and characters of Sarah Ruhl's "Dead Man's Cell Phone" is the first step in preparing an essay.

Katori Hall's play, The Mountaintop stars Samuel L. Jackson as Martin Luther King Jr. and Angela Bassett as an angel maid.

A Life in the Theatre - David Mamet's comedy about life on the stage.

"Fat Pig" by Neil LaBute - Character Analysis of Fat Pig Play

A brief study guide and acting tips for Christopher Durang's comedy: Beyond Therapy, a play about a bisexual man who falls in love with a lonely woman, and the therapists that get in their way.

Character analysis of two plays by Sam Shepard: Buried Child and Curse of the Starving Class.

An analysis of the themes and characters found in Sam Shepard's family dramas such as the plays True West, Curse of the Starving Class, and Buried Child.

Plot summary and character analysis of "Arms and the Man" a comedy by George Bernard Shaw.

Characters and themes in David Henry Hwang's play M. Butterfly, featuring BD Wong and John Lithgow.

Wade's number one favorite work of Shakespeare: the epic tetralogy of Richard II, Henry IV, Part One, Henry IV Part Two, and Henry V.

Doubt a character analysis, study guide of John Patrick Shanley's drama about a nun who suspects a priest of child molestation.

Hamlet is Shakespeare's most personal play, and although it is not his best play on my list, it comes very close to the top spot.

The Best of Shakespeare countdown continues with 5, 4, and 3: Much Ado About Nothing, The Tempest, and A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Character analysis and theme study guide for Yasmina Reza's play, God of Carnage.

Plot summary, character and themes of William Inge's 1953 play, "Picnic."

What is the best play by William Shakespeare? A look at the top ten plays written by Shakespeare.

Study Guide to "Picasso and the Lapin Agile." Meet Picasso and Einstein as they discuss life, art, women, and the universe in Steve Martin's sometimes witty sometimes silly play.

Plot and character analysis of Neil Simon's comedy, "Jake's Women" starring Alan Alda.

Plot summary of Dracula, a play written by Steven Dietz based upon Bram Stoker's Dracula. This relatively faithful adaptation is not without its challenges for the actors and director. However, it's better than many other adaptations of this creep vampire story.

Uncle Vanya: Character Analysis and Plot Summary of Anton Chekhov's play about country life.

Essay help for Angels in America. A brief character analysis of Tony Kushner's protagonist, Prior Walter. Themes and plot summary.

The Summoning of Everyman - A Plot Summary and Study Guide for the medieval morality play, "Everyman." Character analysis, plot summary, themes of Everyman. Synopsis of a religious play written in the Middle Ages. The play tells the story of Everyman, as he journeys to meet God and is guided by Knowledge and Good Deeds.

Speed-the-Plow Plot Summary and Study Guide - Character Analysis and Story Synopsis of David' Mamet's "Speed-the-Plow."

Character analysis of The Sisters Rosensweig. Themes and essay ideas for Wendy Wasserstein's The Sisters Rosensweig

Plot Summary of The Baltimore Waltz - Characters and Themes from Paula Vogel's Play "The Baltimore Waltz"

A character analysis of Mama Nadi from "Ruined" by Lynn Nottage. "Ruined" is a play based upon dozens of refugee women shared their stories of pain and survival. The women recounted unimaginable suffering and nightmarish acts of violence and rape. After gathering hours upon hours of interview material, playwright Lynn Nottage created a play that incorporates the heart-wrenching narratives of the …

"Proof" by David Auburn premiered on Broadway in October 2000. It is a drama about Catherine, the twenty-something daughter of an esteemed mathematician, has just laid her father to rest. He died after suffering through a prolonged mental illness. Robert, her father, had once been a gifted, ground-breaking professor. But as he lost his sanity, he lost his ability to coherently work wi…

A character analysis of Dr. Vivian Bearing from Margaret Edson's play, "Wit." Also known as W;t. The play explores the life and death of a college professor whose sole pleasure in life was studying the poems of John Donne. She ultimately learns the limitations of intellectualism and embraces tenderness and human contact.

Setting of "A Streetcar Named Desire" - An analysis of Tennessee Williams' use of setting in his drama, "A Streetcar Named Desire." Homework helps and essay tips for "A Streetcar Named Desire."

Where do comedy writer's get their ideas? This overview of Neil Simon's autobiographical plays analyzes how the playwright developed his unique sense of humor. Plot and character analysis of "Brighton Beach Memoirs", "Biloxi Blues", and "Broadway Bound." (Also known as the "Eugene Trilogy")

Most romantic plays don't go beyond “happily ever after.” Ernest Thompson’s heartfelt drama 'On Golden Pond' does exactly this. It is a touching, funny look at a loving marriage in its “golden” years.

Arguably August Wilson’s most renowned work, "Fences" explores the life and relationships of Troy Maxson and his family. This moving drama was written in 1983 and earned Wilson his first Pulitzer Prize. Though deeply flawed, he represents the struggle for justice and fair treatment during the 1950s. Troy also represents human nature’s reluctance to recognize and accept social change.

An analysis of one of the most debated and discussed theater experiences of the 1990s: The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler.

An analysis of the plot and characters of "Trifles" by Susan Glaspell. Written in 1916, Susan Glaspell’s one-act play is loosely based on an actual murder which she covered as a young reporter.

Character Analysis of Tartuffe - Plot / character summary of comedy by Moliere Author of Tartuffe or The Hypocrite.

Hedda Gabler - Plot Synopsis of Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler"

Overview and character analysis of "Amadeus" by Peter Shaffer - a drama that tried to answer the question: How did Mozart die?

Inherit the Wind - Character Analysis of Evolution vs. Creationism Play Inherit the Wind, a fictionalize account of the Scopes Monkey Trial.

What is August: Osage County? One of the greatest American plays of modern theater. Explore the characters and themes of August: Osage County by Tracy Letts.

"Hurlyburly" by David Rabe is a darkly comic drama filled withy loathesome yet fascinating characters.

A look at stage adaptations of Mark Twain's books and stories. Includes links to play versions of "Huckleberry Finn," "Tom Sawyer," "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court," and other stories.

Plot summary and analysis of "The Cuban Swimmer," a one-act play by Milcha Sanchez-Scott. The play is a sometimes comic, sometimes heart-wrenching tale of a 19 year woman who attempts to swim from long Beach to Catalina Island.

An overview of "The Miracle Worker" by playwright William Gibson. The biographical play provides a wonderful challenge to actresses who take on the role of Anne Sullivan and/or Helen Keller.

George Bernard Shaw began his writing career as a critic. First, he reviewed music. Then, he branched out and became a theater critic. He must have been disappointed with his contemporary playwrights because he began writing his own dramatic works in the late 1800s.

An annotated list of the top five plays by Tennessee Williams.

In the early 1980s, playwright August Wilson decided that he wanted to create a cycle of ten plays, one play for each decade. Collectively, they would become known as the Pittsburgh Cycle -- all but one take place in the city's Hills District. August Wilson's 10 play series is arguably one of the finest literary achievements in contemporary drama.

A friend of mine recently confessed, "I haven't watched a play since junior high." He then asked me for suggestions. He wanted to know which stage productions were essential for a person who is new to theater-going, who might not have time to see plays very often. His question made me wonder... Which plays represent the best elements of the theatre?

The Boys Next Door - A play by Tom Griffin - Characters and Themes of "The Boys Next Door" A comedy-drama about four mentally challenged who live together in a small apartment.

What are the themes in The Emperor Jones? Why was Emperor Jones controversial? The Emperor Jones - Themes and Analysis of Emperor Jones by Eugene O'Neill

The Most Controversial Plays of the 20th Century - Banned Plays and Boundary Pushing Dramas

A Streetcar Named Desire - Scene Six - Plot Summary for "Streetcar Named Desire" Character analysis of Blanche and Mitch. Who is Blanche's husband? What happens to Blanche's husband?

Character Analysis of "No Exit" - Themes and Essay tips for Sartre's Play

Characters and synopsis of Journey's End - biography of R. C. Sherriff

Character and themes in Neil Simon's romantic comedy: Barefoot in the Park.