Dramatise

To dramatise means to present something in a dramatic way, making it more exciting, vivid, or intense than it might otherwise be. This can involve exaggerating certain aspects, adding emotional emphasis, or structuring events to build suspense and engagement. Often used when converting a non-dramatic work like a novel, a historical event, or a real-life situation into a play, film, or television show. It may involve fictionalising details to enhance storytelling impact, sometimes causing controversies when these alterations stray too far from the original truth. The goal is typically to captivate an audience and create a powerful, lasting impression.

Dramatise meaning with examples

• The filmmakers chose to dramatise the historical events, adding fictional characters and subplots to enhance the narrative and appeal to a wider audience. This approach allowed them to explore themes of betrayal and heroism more extensively.
• The author decided to dramatise the mundane life of a small-town librarian, using stylistic prose and internal monologues to reveal the hidden passions and desires that simmer beneath the surface.
• During the trial, the prosecutor attempted to dramatise the impact of the crime on the victim's family, by using emotive language and graphic descriptions to move the jury.
• The director aims to dramatise the core message of the book through stage adaptation. Using creative effects and dramatic lighting to present a new version for theater audiences.