354 / Types of Writing
STEP 7: Proofreading—Checking the Mechanical
Details
As you proofread the final script, look for the usual kinds of errors: grammar, usage,
mechanics, spelling, and word choice. In addition, look for certain details unique to
scriptwriting:
- Have^ I^ used^ different^ print^ for^ the^ stage^ directions^ than^ for^ dialogue?
- Have^ I^ identified^ each^ speaker^ with^ a^ name^ followed^ by^ a^ colon?
- As^ the^ format^ identifies^ each^ speaker,^ have^ I^ omitted^ quotation^ marks?
- Do^ grammar^ and^ usage^ accurately^ reflect^ the^ character?^ [See Chapter 22,
Dialogue, for a discussion of nonstandard grammar and usage to build character.]
Finally, check spelling and word choice. Remember, no matter the characters’ words,
you, as a writer, must spell accurately. And remember, too, the right word choice can
help develop character insight. Careful use of your thesaurus will strengthen your
work.
SAMPLE DRAMA SCRIPT
The following example illustrates the format for a drama script. Compare it with
radio and television scripts that follow.
THE LIE
CHARACTERS
Renee
Julianne
Mrs. Westbrook, Renee’s mother
Mrs. Hollis, Julianne’s mother
Walter, Westbrook’s neighbor
Kathaleen
Janna
TIME: The present.
PLACE: Middle-class suburban community.
The Westbrook living room suggests nothing outstanding except an active teenager. The fur-
nishings, generally traditional and colorless in beiges and greys, are decorated by Renee’s
school jacket, her cheerleader’s uniform, a stack of books on the end table, and another on
the floor by the sofa. Assorted shoes, sweaters, scarves, book bags, and tennis rackets litter