How to Craft a Political Drama
Political dramas have long captivated audiences by exploring the complex relationships between power, morality, ambition, and the human spirit. Whether in film, television, or literature, this genre offers a unique opportunity to examine societal systems, personal struggles, and the intricacies of governance. Creating an effective political drama, however, is not an easy feat. It requires a deep understanding of politics, an ability to weave tension into character dynamics, and a knack for crafting a narrative that resonates with contemporary issues.
There are essential aspects of creative writing for a political drama. From the creation of compelling characters to developing intricate plots and exploring the themes that define this genre, there are the key components that will help you write a powerful political drama.
Understanding the Genre: What is Political Drama?
At its core, a political drama revolves around the use of political settings, events, and figures as central elements of the story. The genre is defined by its focus on power struggles, governance, social issues, and the human condition in the face of political forces. A political drama can explore the inner workings of governments, the lives of public servants, and the impact of policy on ordinary people.
Unlike traditional dramas that focus on personal relationships or everyday life, political dramas are often driven by external forces—such as elections, wars, social unrest, or political corruption—that create tension within the characters’ lives. The stakes in these stories are high, as they frequently involve the fate of entire nations, social systems, or ideologies.
Some of the best-known examples of political dramas in television and film include ‘House of Cards’, ‘The West Wing’, ‘The Manchurian Candidate’, and ‘All the President’s Men;. These works highlight how the political landscape can be a powerful backdrop for exploring deeper human emotions, ethical dilemmas, and conflicts of power.
Developing Political Themes: Power, Morality, and Ambition
When writing a political drama, the themes of power, morality, and ambition are central. These themes explore the motivations behind political decisions and how they affect both individuals and societies. Every political drama requires a clear theme that resonates with the audience, whether it’s the corruption of power, the ideals of democracy, or the sacrifices made for political gain.
The classic trope of power corrupting those who wield it is a recurring theme in political dramas. Characters who start out with noble intentions often find themselves compromised as they gain more power, leading to moral dilemmas and ethical decisions that can ultimately change the course of the story. Political power is both alluring and dangerous—this duality forms the backbone of many political dramas.
Take ‘House of Cards’, for example. The protagonist, Frank Underwood, begins as a calculated and ambitious politician, but his thirst for power leads him to increasingly unethical actions. As his character rises, so too does his moral decline, making power one of the key drivers of the plot.
Morality and Ethics in Politics
Political dramas often question the ethical dimensions of political decisions. These shows probe whether achieving the “greater good” justifies the manipulation of individuals or the bending of moral rules. What is the cost of maintaining power, and how does the personal integrity of characters come into play?
In a political drama, your characters may have to make tough decisions that test their moral compass. Should a politician betray their principles for the good of the country? Should they make personal sacrifices for the sake of their ideals? These questions drive the narrative forward and add emotional complexity to the plot.
Ambition and Its Costs
Ambition is a driving force for many political figures, both fictional and real. Political dramas often depict characters who are willing to go to great lengths to achieve their goals, and these characters often face significant personal and professional consequences for their ambition. The pursuit of power can lead to relationships being tested, personal losses, and ethical compromises.
Take ‘The West Wing’, where the characters wrestle with their personal aspirations within the political framework of running a country. President Bartlet’s ambition to lead and make the right decisions for his nation constantly clashes with the personal relationships around him and his own internal struggles.
Creating Complex Characters: The Politician, the Insider, and the Outsider
Political dramas thrive on complex, multifaceted characters who embody the contradictions inherent in politics. Writing such characters requires a deep understanding of human psychology and an ability to create nuanced individuals whose motivations are both personal and political.
1. The Politician: The protagonist of a political drama is often a politician—or someone in a position of power—whose choices drive the plot. This character must be both sympathetic and morally ambiguous, as their decisions may have wide-reaching consequences. The audience should be able to understand their motivations while simultaneously questioning their methods.
A successful political protagonist is one who feels authentic. They must have a clear ideology, but also be capable of compromising when necessary. Their moral failings should be revealed gradually, allowing the audience to empathise with their internal struggles.
For example, in ‘House of Cards’, Frank Underwood is a ruthless and calculating politician, but his motivations and ambitions are relatable. His rise to power is a deeply personal journey, and while his methods are questionable, viewers are drawn into his world due to the complexity of his character.
2. The Insider: In addition to the main political character, many political dramas also feature insiders—individuals who are deeply embedded in the political system. These characters might be advisors, staff members, or fellow politicians who have their own agendas, secrets, and loyalties.
Insiders can serve as foils to the main protagonist, offering a counterpoint to their ideals, ambition, or power. These characters may share a history with the protagonist, but have their own personal motivations, which can either align or conflict with the protagonist’s goals.
For instance, in ‘The West Wing’, characters like C.J. Cregg and Toby Ziegler are insiders who shape the narrative through their advice, political manoeuvring, and sometimes competing visions for the country. These characters add depth and texture to the political world.
3. The Outsider: The outsider is another essential character in political dramas. This character is often positioned in contrast to the established power structure, whether they are an underdog, a whistleblower, or a reformist. Outsiders can challenge the status quo, expose corruption, or push for progressive change.
The outsider character provides a unique perspective on politics. They often act as a moral compass in the story, offering a critique of the system or calling attention to its flaws. In many political dramas, the outsider is the one who stands up for the people or fights for justice, serving as a contrast to the morally ambiguous actions of the political insiders.
In ‘The West Wing’, characters like Sam Seaborn and Josh Lyman often find themselves caught between their idealistic views and the realities of political life. They embody the tension between idealism and pragmatism that is central to many political dramas.
Plotting the Drama: Crafting Intrigue and Tension
Political dramas thrive on tension, intrigue, and plot twists. Crafting an engaging plot requires an understanding of the political system, but also an ability to create personal conflicts and moral dilemmas that keep the audience invested.
The Rise and Fall of Power
One common plot structure in political dramas is the rise and fall of power. This arc can involve a politician’s climb to prominence, only to face a devastating fall due to personal flaws, political opposition, or scandal. The narrative can explore how the character navigates this journey and the cost it takes on their personal and professional lives.
Political Scandals and Conspiracies
Political dramas often revolve around scandal and conspiracy, where characters must navigate the complex web of lies, cover-ups, and power plays. A well-crafted political scandal can add a layer of suspense to the narrative, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as they wonder whether the truth will come to light.
The intricacies of managing a political scandal—whether it’s a bribery scandal, an assassination plot, or a leaked document—can add complexity and urgency to the plot. Characters must strategize, manipulate, and sometimes betray others to protect their careers or their integrity.
Ethical Dilemmas
Ethical dilemmas are at the heart of many political dramas. Whether it’s choosing between loyalty to a friend or a country, balancing personal desires with political responsibilities, or deciding whether to act in the interest of the many or the few, these dilemmas create emotional and intellectual complexity.
The Political Landscape: Worldbuilding for Political Dramas
A successful political drama needs a well-crafted political world in which the characters live and operate. This includes the institutions of power, such as the government, political parties, and bureaucratic structures, but also the culture of politics—the way the media, public opinion, and social movements influence decision-making.
Authenticity in Political Systems
Your political world should feel grounded in reality, even if it is fictional. You don’t need to recreate a specific historical period or real-world political system, but the rules of the world you create should be consistent and believable. Establish clear systems of governance, communication, and power dynamics. This attention to detail makes the world of the show feel real and urgent.
The Role of the Media and Public Opinion
In the modern world, media plays a critical role in shaping political narratives. Consider how the media and public perception will play into your political drama. Journalists, social media, and public opinion can all influence the political decisions of your characters, adding an additional layer of complexity to the drama.
In **The West Wing**, the media is often shown to be a double-edged sword—helpful when it allies with the administration’s goals, but problematic when it highlights scandals or shifts public opinion. Characters must learn how to manipulate the media, manage leaks, and maintain control of the political narrative.
Crafting a Compelling Political Drama
Writing a political drama requires a combination of character development, intricate plotting, and thematic exploration of power, ambition, and morality. By creating complex characters—politicians, insiders, and outsiders—and weaving them into a world of intrigue, scandal, and ethical dilemmas, you can craft a political drama that captivates and challenges your audience. The genre offers a rich opportunity to explore the intersection of personal and public lives, revealing the profound consequences of political decisions on individuals, societies, and nations.
Whether you’re telling a story of a politician’s rise to power, exposing a conspiracy, or examining the tension between political ideals and the realities of governance, a political drama can serve as both an entertaining narrative and a lens through which we can better understand the forces shaping our world.
Could you write your own political drama? Start writing today!
