melodrama

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Theater Academic

n. a type of play or film with exciting events and characters who show very strong, simple feelings.

n. a dramatic form that emphasizes sensational plot points and stereotypical characters over complex character development.

“The old movie was a classic melodrama where the hero saves the day at the last second.”

“Victorian melodrama often relied on clear moral distinctions between the virtuous protagonist and the irredeemable villain.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Music Archaic · Technical

n. a historical style of play where music was played to make the scenes feel more emotional.

n. a historical performance style featuring spoken text accompanied by orchestral music intended to heighten the emotional impact.

“In the 18th century, melodrama used music to tell the audience how to feel.”

“The composer experimented with melodrama, integrating spoken dialogue into the symphonic structure to intensify the protagonist's monologue.”