This week: Misinterpretation Edited by: Jayne  
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| Hello, I'm Jayne! Welcome to my dramatic explorations. My goal with these newsletters is to explore the elements that make for great dramatic stories. Sometimes, a series of newsletters will interconnect, while other issues will stand alone. I strive to ensure they are informative but fun and do my best to spark your curiosity. Don’t forget to check out this issue's selection of stories! |
Misunderstanding is one of the most powerful tools in drama.
I’m not talking about miscommunication. Miscommunication is the failure to share information in a clear way.
Misinterpretation is hearing the stated words but sincerely taking the wrong meaning from what was said. It’s the sincerity of the misunderstanding that adds emotional weight, raises the stakes, and makes the plot work.
Understanding Drama Through Comedy
If you’re old enough to know Three’s Company, you’ve already experienced a masterclass in misinterpretation-as-plot-fuel. Every episode hinges on someone overhearing part of a conversation, jumping to the wrong conclusion, and then acting on that false belief.
Is it formulaic? Sure it is, in the most hilariously chaotic, escalating-into-nonsense way possible.
But what can comedy teach us about drama?
• In comedy, misinterpretation leads to laughs, farce, and often harmless resolution.
• In drama, misinterpretation leads to heartbreak, betrayal, or irreversible emotional fallout.
Misinterpretation is universal. The same tool paints with a wildly different colour palettes, and it’s the outcome that shifts the tone.
Three Tips for Effective Misinterpretation
Misinterpretation works best when the audience knows something one character doesn’t. It builds tension organically, and lets the reader sees the train wreck coming long before the character does.
To use it well:
• Let the speaker be clear. The power comes from the listener missing the mark.
• Make the misunderstanding emotionally plausible. What fear, hope, or bias distorted the meaning?
• Let it cost something. A misread moment that leads to silence, a fracture, or a missed opportunity all lead directly to drama.
Remember, a character doesn't have to lie or say something hurtful to cause damage. Sometimes all it takes is someone hearing it the wrong way.
As always, happy writing! |
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Drama: July 09, 2025 Issue [#13232]
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