Here are five brief Melodrama scripts for the Drama or Theatre Arts classroom that teachers can use as an introduction to a longer unit on this topic. All scripts involve three or four characters, deliberately include very melodramatic stage directions, require minimal or imagined props, and are ready to go without any preparation. Use them in the classroom free of charge. Read the scripts on the page, or view them in the 3D flipbook further down. A PDF link to download the five scripts is at the end of the page. Print for your students and have fun!

While you’re at it, check out these other resources on the Drama Teacher about Melodrama:

Melodrama Starters

The Stolen Inheritance

Setting: A dimly lit, old-fashioned parlour. A grand painting of an ancestor hangs on the wall, and a large, wooden desk sits in the centre of the stage. A fireplace crackles softly in the background.

Characters:

LORD BLACKWOOD: The evil uncle, clad in dark, sinister attire.

LADY VIOLET: The virtuous niece, dressed in a white, flowing dress.

SIR REGINALD: The heroic suitor, wearing a dashing suit with a red cravat.

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LADY VIOLET: (dramatically wringing her hands) Oh, what ever shall I do? My dear father’s will has gone missing, and with it, my inheritance! (paces back and forth, eyes filled with despair)

LORD BLACKWOOD: (entering with a sly grin, twirling his moustache) Well, well, my dear niece, it seems fortune does not favour you. Perhaps you should accept your fate and leave this manor to me. (steps closer menacingly)

LADY VIOLET: (gasping, clutching her chest) Uncle! How could you say such a thing? My father trusted you! (steps back, eyes wide with fear)

LORD BLACKWOOD: (chuckling darkly) Trust? Trust is a fool’s currency. This estate shall be mine, and there’s nothing you can do about it. (waves dismissively)

LADY VIOLET: (falling to her knees, sobbing) Oh, woe is me! Is there no hope left in this cruel world? (covers her face with her hands)

SIR REGINALD: (bursting in, striking a heroic pose) Fear not, Lady Violet! I, Sir Reginald, shall uncover the truth and restore your inheritance! (stands tall, sword gleaming)

LORD BLACKWOOD: (sneering) Ha! You’ll find nothing. The will is gone forever, and soon, so shall you be! (crosses arms defiantly)

LADY VIOLET: (looking up, hope rekindled in her eyes) Sir Reginald, you are my only hope! (rises slowly, reaching out)

SIR REGINALD: (kneeling beside her, taking her hand) Do not despair, fair lady. Together, we shall conquer this darkness. (standing, pointing dramatically) Blackwood, your evil deeds end here! (draws his sword)

LORD BLACKWOOD: (laughing maniacally) Foolish boy, you stand no chance against me! (pulls out a dagger)

SIR REGINALD: (holding the will aloft) Behold! The will, hidden in the very painting of our dear ancestor! (holds it high)

LADY VIOLET: (springing to her feet) Sir Reginald, you have saved me! (embraces him)

LORD BLACKWOOD: (clutching his head, staggering) No! My plans, ruined! (falls to his knees)

SIR REGINALD: (embracing Lady Violet) Justice prevails! Blackwood, you shall face the consequences of your wickedness! (stands triumphantly)

LADY VIOLET: (smiling through tears) Thank you, Sir Reginald. You are truly my hero! (looks up at him adoringly)

LORD BLACKWOOD: (falling to his knees, defeated) Curse you, Sir Reginald! (collapses to the ground)

SIR REGINALD: (gently releasing Lady Violet, walking to Blackwood) You will no longer torment this family. (binds Blackwood’s hands with a rope)

LORD BLACKWOOD: (struggling) You think this is over? I have allies who will come for you! (glares at Sir Reginald)

LADY VIOLET: (taking the will, opening it with trembling hands) This… this is the proof I needed. My father’s wishes, finally revealed. (reads the will aloud) “To my beloved daughter, Violet, I leave the entirety of my estate, trusting her to use it wisely and with the kindness she has always shown.”

SIR REGINALD: (looking at Blackwood) You see? Her father’s trust was well-placed. You, on the other hand, have only shown your true, dark nature. (turns to Lady Violet) Violet, what shall we do with this villain?

LADY VIOLET: (standing tall, wiping away tears) He must face justice. We shall call the authorities and let them deal with his crimes. (firmly)

LORD BLACKWOOD: (laughing weakly) You think you have won? This is but a temporary victory. I will return. (eyes gleaming with malice)

SIR REGINALD: (tightening the bonds) Not if I have anything to say about it. (leading Blackwood towards the door) Come, Lady Violet. Let’s end this chapter and start anew.

The curtain falls as Sir Reginald and Lady Violet exit, leaving Lord Blackwood to his fate.

The Poisoned Chalice

Setting: A medieval castle banquet hall. A long table adorned with a lavish feast is set up centre stage. Tapestries and banners hang from the walls, and a large chandelier dangles from above.

Characters:

KING HENRY: The wise but old king, dressed in royal robes.

LADY ISABELLA: The scheming noblewoman, dressed in an elegant yet dark gown.

SIR LANCELOT: The brave knight, wearing shining armor.

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KING HENRY: (sitting at the head of the table, raising a goblet) Let us toast to peace and prosperity in our kingdom! (smiles warmly)

LADY ISABELLA: (smiling slyly, pouring wine into the king’s goblet) Indeed, Your Majesty. May your reign be long and bountiful. (eyes glint with malice)

SIR LANCELOT: (suspiciously eyeing Lady Isabella) My king, I would advise caution. Not all smiles are sincere. (places a protective hand on his sword)

KING HENRY: (laughing heartily) Come now, Sir Lancelot. Lady Isabella has been a loyal subject. (takes a sip from the goblet)

LADY ISABELLA: (feigning innocence) Why, Sir Lancelot, you wound me with your distrust. (places a hand on her heart, pretending to be hurt)

SIR LANCELOT: (drawing his sword) Your Majesty, I must insist! That goblet is poisoned! (points to the goblet, eyes intense)

KING HENRY: (startled, nearly dropping the goblet) Poisoned? Lady Isabella, is this true? (looks at her with a mix of shock and betrayal)

LADY ISABELLA: (drawing a hidden dagger) You meddling fool, Lancelot! You have ruined everything! (steps back, brandishing the dagger)

SIR LANCELOT: (stepping between the king and Isabella) Your treachery ends here, Isabella! (prepares to fight)

KING HENRY: (standing, hand on his chest) To think, I was nearly deceived by a serpent in my court! (glares at Isabella)

LADY ISABELLA: (lunging at Sir Lancelot) You may have thwarted me this time, knight, but you will not leave this hall alive! (slashes with her dagger)

SIR LANCELOT: (parrying her attack, disarming her) Surrender, Isabella! Your plot has failed! (knocks the dagger from her hand)

KING HENRY: (sitting back down, sighing) Thank you, Sir Lancelot. You have once again proven your loyalty and bravery. (nods approvingly)

LADY ISABELLA: (falling to her knees, defeated) Curse you, Lancelot! I shall have my revenge! (glares up at him)

SIR LANCELOT: (binding her hands) You will face justice, Isabella. The kingdom is safe once more. (stands tall, looking resolute)

KING HENRY: (standing, raising his goblet) Let this be a lesson to all who seek to undermine the crown. Justice will always prevail. (sips the wine, then coughs violently) What… what is this? (staggers, dropping the goblet)

LADY ISABELLA: (laughing wickedly) You fools! I poisoned more than just one goblet! The wine itself is tainted! (struggles against her bonds)

SIR LANCELOT: (grabbing a flagon of water, rushing to the king) Hold on, Your Majesty! Drink this! (pours water into the king’s mouth)

KING HENRY: (gasping for breath) The kingdom… must be warned… (falls back into his chair, weak)

SIR LANCELOT: (turning to Isabella, eyes blazing) You will pay for this treachery, Isabella! (binds her more securely)

LADY ISABELLA: (smirking) It’s too late, Lancelot. The poison will spread, and chaos will reign. (leans back, satisfied)

KING HENRY: (regaining some strength) Lancelot, send word to the other lords. The kingdom must be prepared. (clutches Lancelot’s arm)

SIR LANCELOT: (nodding) I will, Your Majesty. You will be safe. (stands resolute, determined)

The curtain falls as Sir Lancelot prepares to leave, Lady Isabella glares defiantly, and King Henry sits weakened but resolute on his throne.

3D FLIPBOOK OF ALL MELODRAMA SCRIPTS

The Disappearing Heiress

Setting: A Victorian-era garden at dusk. Roses bloom around a white gazebo in the centre. Lanterns cast a soft glow on the scene.

Characters:

LORD HARRINGTON: The concerned father, dressed in a tailored suit.

LADY EMILY: The missing daughter, wearing a simple but elegant dress.

MR. THORNTON: The nefarious suitor, wearing a dark, brooding outfit.

CONSTABLE

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LORD HARRINGTON: (pacing anxiously) Where could my dear Emily be? She was to meet me here an hour ago! (looks around frantically)

MR. THORNTON: (emerging from the shadows) Good evening, Lord Harrington. I believe I can shed some light on your daughter’s whereabouts. (smirks, stepping forward)

LORD HARRINGTON: (turning sharply) Thornton! What do you know of Emily’s disappearance? (glares at him)

MR. THORNTON: (smirking) Perhaps a certain young lady found herself in need of new company. My company. (crosses his arms arrogantly)

LORD HARRINGTON: (furious) You scoundrel! What have you done with her? (steps closer, fists clenched)

MR. THORNTON: (laughing) Fear not, my lord. She is safe… for now. But she will not be returned so easily. (twirls a lock of hair between his fingers)

LADY EMILY: (appearing, struggling, hands bound) Father! Help me! (cries out, tears streaming down her face)

LORD HARRINGTON: (rushing to her) Emily! Thornton, release her at once! (reaches out to her)

MR. THORNTON: (drawing a knife, holding it to Emily) Not so fast, Harrington. The girl comes with me, unless you meet my demands. (tightens his grip on her)

LORD HARRINGTON: (pleading) Anything, Thornton, just let her go! (drops to his knees)

LADY EMILY: (crying) Father, don’t! He means to ruin us! (struggles in Thornton’s grasp)

MR. THORNTON: (sneering) That’s right. The Harrington estate will be mine, or your precious daughter will suffer. (presses the knife closer)

LORD HARRINGTON: (desperately) There must be another way! (looks around frantically)

LADY EMILY: (breaking free, grabbing a garden tool) No, Father! We must stand up to him! (swings the tool at Thornton)

MR. THORNTON: (shocked, lunging at Emily) Insolent girl! (tries to grab her)

LORD HARRINGTON: (stepping in front of Emily, grappling with Thornton) Over my dead body, Thornton! (pushes him back)

MR. THORNTON: (falling back, dropping the knife) This isn’t over, Harrington! (glares at them both)

LADY EMILY: (hugging her father) Thank you, Father. Your bravery saved me! (cries into his shoulder)

LORD HARRINGTON: (holding her close) Emily, I will always protect you. Thornton will face justice for his crimes. (looks down at Thornton sternly)

MR. THORNTON: (smiling wickedly) Oh, but I have a few more tricks up my sleeve. (reaches into his coat, pulling out a small vial) Recognize this? It’s a potent potion, one drop and… (lets the implication hang)

LADY EMILY: (pulling away from her father, gasping) No! Father, he must be stopped!

LORD HARRINGTON: (determined) We shall not be cowed by your threats, Thornton. You will not harm my daughter or take our estate. (stands protectively in front of Emily)

MR. THORNTON: (sneering) Brave words, Harrington. But actions speak louder. (uncorks the vial, a menacing look in his eyes)

LADY EMILY: (thinking quickly) Father, distract him! I have an idea! (whispers to her father)

LORD HARRINGTON: (nodding) Thornton, you will not win this day! (lunges at Thornton, grappling with him)

LADY EMILY: (moving swiftly, picks up a lantern and swings it at Thornton’s hand) Take this!

MR. THORNTON: (yelling in pain, dropping the vial) You wretched girl! (tries to grab her, but is restrained by Lord Harrington)

LORD HARRINGTON: (holding Thornton tightly) It’s over, Thornton. You have lost. (looks to Emily) Fetch the authorities, quickly!

LADY EMILY: (nodding, running offstage) Yes, Father! (returns with a group of constables)

CONSTABLE: (entering, taking Thornton into custody) Mr. Thornton, you are under arrest for kidnapping and attempted murder. (binds his hands)

MR. THORNTON: (struggling) You may have me now, but I will return! (glares at Lord Harrington and Emily)

LADY EMILY: (hugging her father again) Thank you, Father. I knew you would save me. (smiles through her tears)

LORD HARRINGTON: (kissing her forehead) Always, my dear Emily. Always. (turns to the constables) Take him away. Let justice be served.

The curtain falls as Lord Harrington and Lady Emily stand together, watching as Mr. Thornton is led away in chains.

The Lost Treasure

Setting: A secluded cove with a rocky beach and a hidden cave entrance. The sound of waves crashing against the shore echoes in the background. The moon casts an eerie glow over the scene.

Characters:

CAPTAIN RAVEN: The ruthless pirate captain, dressed in dark, tattered clothes.

LADY ROSALIND: The brave and cunning adventurer, wearing a rugged yet elegant outfit.

FIRST MATE JASPER: The loyal but conflicted first mate, dressed in pirate attire with a hint of hesitation.

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LADY ROSALIND: (standing at the entrance of the cave, holding a lantern) This must be the place. The map led me here. The lost treasure of Blackbeard is within my grasp! (holds up the map triumphantly)

CAPTAIN RAVEN: (emerging from the shadows with a sinister grin) Well, well, what have we here? A little bird seeking treasure in my territory? (draws his sword)

LADY ROSALIND: (gasping, turning to face him) Captain Raven! I should have known you’d be lurking around. The treasure is mine by right! (raises her lantern defiantly)

FIRST MATE JASPER: (stepping forward, looking conflicted) Captain, perhaps we should share the treasure. It could benefit all of us. (looks between Raven and Rosalind)

CAPTAIN RAVEN: (sneering) Share? With this interloper? Never! The treasure belongs to me and me alone! (swings his sword menacingly)

LADY ROSALIND: (drawing her own sword) I won’t let you take it without a fight! (adopts a defensive stance)

FIRST MATE JASPER: (hesitating, then drawing his sword) Captain, please. We don’t need more bloodshed. (steps between them)

CAPTAIN RAVEN: (angrily) Jasper, you dare defy me? (glares at him)

LADY ROSALIND: (seeing an opportunity) Jasper, listen to reason. This treasure could help so many. Do you really want it to end in Raven’s greedy hands? (pleads with him)

FIRST MATE JASPER: (lowering his sword slightly) She’s right, Captain. We can find a way to make this work for all of us. (looks at Raven earnestly)

CAPTAIN RAVEN: (furious, lunging at Rosalind) Traitor! You’ll pay for your insolence! (slashes wildly)

LADY ROSALIND: (parrying his attack) Jasper, help me! (struggles against Raven’s assault)

FIRST MATE JASPER: (stepping in, disarming Raven) Enough, Captain! This madness ends now! (holds his sword to Raven’s throat)

CAPTAIN RAVEN: (panting, defeated) You… you would betray your own captain? (falls to his knees)

LADY ROSALIND: (approaching, breathing heavily) It’s over, Raven. The treasure will be used for good, not greed. (stands tall)

FIRST MATE JASPER: (binding Raven’s hands) You’ll face justice for your crimes, Captain. It’s time to end your reign of terror. (ties the knots tightly)

CAPTAIN RAVEN: (glaring up at them) You think you’ve won? This is far from over. (struggles against the bonds)

LADY ROSALIND: (holding up the map) We’ll see about that. Jasper, let’s find the treasure and make sure it benefits those in need. (leads the way into the cave)

FIRST MATE JASPER: (nodding) Agreed. Together, we can make a difference. (follows her, leaving Raven behind)

Inside the cave, the glow of the lantern reveals ancient markings on the walls and a path leading deeper into the darkness.

LADY ROSALIND: (examining the markings) These symbols… they tell the story of the treasure. It was hidden here to protect it from those who would misuse its power. (traces the symbols with her fingers)

FIRST MATE JASPER: (looking around, impressed) It’s incredible. But we must be cautious. Who knows what traps lie ahead? (takes a step forward cautiously)

LADY ROSALIND: (determined) We must press on. The treasure is too important to leave hidden. (moves deeper into the cave)

The sound of water dripping and the faint echo of their footsteps fill the cave. Suddenly, a hidden trapdoor opens beneath them.

LADY ROSALIND: (falling, grabbing onto a ledge) Jasper! Help! (struggles to hold on)

FIRST MATE JASPER: (rushing to her aid, pulling her up) I’ve got you! Hold on! (strains to pull her up)

LADY ROSALIND: (breathing heavily) Thank you, Jasper. That was close. (looks around, wary)

FIRST MATE JASPER: (nodding) We need to be more careful. The treasure is well-protected. (helps her stand)

They continue deeper into the cave, finally arriving at a chamber filled with golden artifacts and jewels.

LADY ROSALIND: (in awe) We’ve found it… the treasure of Blackbeard! (steps forward, reaching for a golden chalice)

FIRST MATE JASPER: (holding her back) Wait. We must ensure it’s not cursed or trapped. (carefully examines the treasure)

They slowly gather the treasure, making sure it’s safe. As they leave the cave, the morning sun begins to rise, casting a warm glow on the cove.

LADY ROSALIND: (smiling) With this treasure, we can help so many. The orphans, the poor… they will all benefit from Blackbeard’s gold. (looks at Jasper)

FIRST MATE JASPER: (smiling back) Indeed. And we have ended Captain Raven’s reign of terror. (nods in satisfaction)

CAPTAIN RAVEN: (from a distance, struggling against his bonds) This isn’t the end! I’ll be back! (glares at them)

LADY ROSALIND: (firmly) We will be ready for you, Raven. Justice has prevailed today. (turns away, leading Jasper)

The curtain falls as Lady Rosalind and First Mate Jasper walk away, victorious, with the treasure in tow, while Captain Raven remains bound and defeated.

The Cursed Locket

Setting: An eerie, candlelit mansion with dusty furniture and cobwebs hanging from the ceiling. A grand staircase leads up to a balcony overlooking the main hall. A large, ornate locket sits on a pedestal at the centre of the stage.

Characters:

LORD ASHLEY: The tormented owner of the mansion, dressed in a dishevelled suit.

LADY EVELYN: The determined and kind-hearted heroine, wearing a simple yet elegant dress.

DR. VANCE: The sinister, manipulative doctor, dressed in a dark cloak and carrying a medical bag.

THE AUTHORITIES: Constables

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LORD ASHLEY: (pacing back and forth, clutching his head) The locket… it’s cursed. It brings nothing but pain and suffering. (shudders)

LADY EVELYN: (entering cautiously) Lord Ashley, please, you must calm yourself. There must be a way to lift the curse. (approaches him gently)

DR. VANCE: (emerging from the shadows with a sly smile) Ah, Lady Evelyn, always the optimist. But some curses are beyond even your considerable skills. (steps closer)

LORD ASHLEY: (looking at Vance with fear) Doctor, you said you could help me. But things have only gotten worse! (backs away)

LADY EVELYN: (suspiciously) Dr. Vance, what have you done? (places a protective hand on Ashley’s arm)

DR. VANCE: (sneering) I’ve merely tried to contain the curse. But it seems Lord Ashley’s mind is too fragile to handle it. (produces a vial from his bag)

LORD ASHLEY: (desperately) Please, there must be another way! (drops to his knees)

LADY EVELYN: (firmly) There is another way. We must destroy the locket. It’s the source of the curse. (reaches for the locket)

DR. VANCE: (stepping in front of her) No! The locket is mine! It holds power that you cannot comprehend! (grabs the locket protectively)

LORD ASHLEY: (pleading) Evelyn, help me! Don’t let him take it! (reaches out to her)

LADY EVELYN: (determined) Dr. Vance, your deceit ends here. The locket will be destroyed. (pushes past him, grabbing the locket)

DR. VANCE: (angrily) You fool! You know not what you do! (lunges at her)

LADY EVELYN: (dodging, holding the locket high) Ashley, take this! We must break it together! (throws the locket to Ashley)

LORD ASHLEY: (catching the locket, hesitating) I… I can’t. The curse… (trembles)

LADY EVELYN: (urgently) You must! It’s the only way to free yourself! (rushes to his side)

DR. VANCE: (furiously) No! You will not destroy my prize! (charges at them)

LORD ASHLEY: (with renewed resolve, smashing the locket on the ground) For my freedom! (the locket shatters, releasing a dark mist)

LADY EVELYN: (shielding her eyes) It’s working! The curse is breaking! (holds Ashley tightly)

DR. VANCE: (screaming as the mist envelops him) No! My power! (falls to the ground, writhing in agony)

LORD ASHLEY: (breathing heavily, feeling the weight lift) It’s… it’s over. The curse is gone. (looks at Evelyn with gratitude)

LADY EVELYN: (smiling) You did it, Ashley. You’re free. (hugs him)

DR. VANCE: (weakly, crawling) This isn’t… the end. (collapses, unconscious)

LORD ASHLEY: (standing tall) It is for you, Vance. Your evil ends here. (turns to Evelyn) Thank you, Evelyn. I couldn’t have done it without you. (takes her hand)

LADY EVELYN: (blushing) We faced it together, Ashley. That’s what matters. (smiles warmly)

Suddenly, a loud crash echoes through the mansion as a hidden door flies open, revealing a secret chamber filled with ancient artifacts.

LORD ASHLEY: (astonished) What is this? A hidden chamber? (steps closer to the entrance)

LADY EVELYN: (peering inside) It appears so. These artifacts… they must have been hidden for centuries. (examines a dusty old book)

DR. VANCE: (gasping weakly) You… you have no idea what you’ve uncovered… (coughs)

LORD ASHLEY: (determined) Whatever it is, it will not be used for evil. Evelyn, we must secure these artifacts and ensure they are studied properly. (turns to her)

LADY EVELYN: (nodding) Agreed. But first, we must deal with Vance. (glances at the weakened doctor)

LORD ASHLEY: (looking sternly at Vance) Your reign of terror is over, Vance. You will answer for your crimes. (signals for the authorities)

The authorities arrive, taking Dr. Vance into custody. Lord Ashley and Lady Evelyn begin to carefully examine the artifacts, realizing the magnitude of their discovery.

LADY EVELYN: (holding up an ancient scroll) This scroll… it speaks of great knowledge and power. We must be cautious with it. (reads the scroll carefully)

LORD ASHLEY: (nodding) Yes, but also hopeful. Perhaps these artifacts can be used to help others, to bring about positive change. (smiles at Evelyn)

LADY EVELYN: (smiling back) Together, we can ensure they are used for good. (closes the scroll gently)

As they continue to explore the hidden chamber, the sun begins to rise, casting a warm glow over the mansion, symbolizing a new beginning.

LORD ASHLEY: (looking out the window) A new dawn, Evelyn. A new beginning for us all. (takes her hand)

LADY EVELYN: (smiling) Indeed, Ashley. Together, we can face any challenge that comes our way. (holds his hand firmly)

The curtain falls as Lord Ashley and Lady Evelyn stand united, ready to face the future and protect the knowledge and power they have uncovered from being misused.