400-15
432
Characteristic features of dramatic works. (cont'd)
Characters. A work may be considered a drama even though it contains only one character. The script of a soliloquy or monolog that tells a story may be registered as a drama, provided that it includes sufficiently explicit stage directions from which it can be performed.
Example:
A poem, such as "Invictus," with directions for acting out the story.
432.03
Dialog. Dialog alone will constitute a drama only if characters and a plot are inherent therein.
432.04
Directions for action. While directions for action by themselves do not constitute a drama, such instructions (or the actual representation of the action) are essential to drama.
432.05
Drama without words. A drama may be represented silently, provided there is visual dramatic action or pantomime, as for example, a new drama in the Noh style. However, a still tableau depicting a story incident does not meet this criterion.
433
Amount of dramatic content necessary. The work should have enough action to avoid the conclusion that the dramatic contribution is too minimal for copyright protection as a dramatic work. While a mere outline or narrative summary of the idea for a drama is not registrable as a dramatic work, every element of the drama need not be set out. A scenario may be registered as a dramatic work if it is adequate to serve as the basis for directing its action, even though the directions are brief and some details are
