This document discusses key elements of writing history including drama, theme, plot, and historical narrative. Drama refers to the central conflict, theme is the deeper meaning or "big idea", historical narrative connects specific conflicts to broader changes, and plot is the selection and sequencing of details to develop the dramatic conflict and unfold the theme.

1. Drama, theme, & plot:
Writing history

2. Drama
• The conflict at the center of the text’s vision.

3. Theme
• The “big idea” that gives the text a shape and a purpose; it’s
deeper meaning.

4. Historical narrative
• Connect “small picture” conflict to “big picture” change in
power relations.

5. Plot
• The selection and sequencing of details.
• Through plotting, the text’s dramatic conflict is developed and
its theme unfolded.