Question

Hey guys. I'm writing a play and I'd just like to hear y'all's opinions and suggestions. Basically the premise is that this 5th grade boy, Benjamin, has an imaginary friend. He was home schooled for a year so he could have therapy and see a specialist about it because his parents believe that his imagination has gotten out of hand (haven't done all the research on this part yet, so it will be more specific and accurate eventually). The play begins with all the kids at school gossiping about him and hearing that he's coming back to school. His friend, Allen, is excited and nervous because he's missed him but thinks he should get rid of his imaginary friend. Ben returns and is bullied and abused by the other kids. Allen ends up having to stop being friends with him because he can't stand the ridicule anymore. At the beginning of second act, we meet Sebastian (imaginary friend) for the first time. Ben has a discussion with him and ends up angry at him (there's also evidence that this friend is not human and may be a dragon). This is where I come to my first question: Should I have Ben talk to thin air, or should I have there be an actor representing Sebastian? Anyhow, Ben goes to school the next day and continues to be bullied. There's a rumor about why a classroom is missing in the school. Allen is now friends with the wrong kinds of kids and trying to overcome his guilt about leaving Ben. We have another scene with Sebastian and Ben in the bedroom and Sebastian attacks Ben. Ben goes to the hospital, having passed out, and his parents can't figure out what happened. Now, my biggest problem is trying to figure out how to conclude it. Option 1: it turns out that Sebastian was truly imaginary the whole time and Benjamin is insane. Option 2: Sebastian is a dragon that comes from the missing classroom and befriended Benjamin. In the end, Sebastian is killed. Thanks for your help, tell me what you think! :)

Answer 1

The story is your own, so if you like it, then that's what it can be. You will have to cut out some of the non-important parts to save time (only if it goes over the time limit) though.

Answer 2

Thanks Cardinary. I truly am curious what your opinions are, tho.

Answer 3

If you truly want my opinion, I think: the story isn't all that bad, but if this story seems really depressing. It doesn't look like there's many happy moments in this story. Though, that's just my opinion.

Answer 4

That makes sense. I was going for a bit more of a sad story, but I'll try to add more humor and happy moments. I guess I never thought about that. I don't want my readers/viewers to be too depressed...

Answer 5

I understand you going with a sad story, but personally, I feel like the story needs some comedy relief here and there. :3

Answer 6

Thanks for your suggestion!