Context: The following script was created for Dramatic Writing class with Mrs. Shiver. The assignment asked that students create an argument during dinner.
Genre / Fantasy
Character Trope / Evil Overlord
King Burchard / Malevolent king hungry for wealth and power. Acts intelligently, but impulsive when challenged.
INT. BURCHARD’S CASTLE – EVENING.
BURCHARD sits alone at a large table in a large, ill-lit dining room. The table is covered in a wide selection of decadent foods. He sits upright, quietly picking away at the feast. Burchard’s advisor, ALDO, enters the room.
ALDO
Your majesty?
Burchard continues eating quietly.
ALDO (CONT’D)
(clears throat) Your majesty? I bring news.
BURCHARD
(pause) Yes?
ALDO
(uneasy) Informants have returned from the east, sir. They bring news of the war.
BURCHARD
Excellent. What news do they bring?
ALDO
Our men persevere, my lord.
BURCHARD
I am pleased – are they well-positioned?
ALDO
It should seem so (pause) however…
BURCHARD
What else of them? Speak plainly.
ALDO
(slowly) Well, my lord, I must inform you…
BURCHARD
Fear? Among my men?
ALDO
Yes, your majesty.
Burchard pushes back in his chair.
BURCHARD
What have they to fear? Do they not have all that they require?
ALDO
You have provided well, my lord. However, this war has taken a great toll on our people. Despite our advances, there has been a murmur of retreat–
Burchard jumps out of his seat.
BURCHARD
(loudly) Retreat? I will not stand for such cowardice among my men! Such disloyalty to their kingdom and people!
ALDO
(hesitantly) It is not a question of loyalty, my lord. Our men have grown weak and weary, and the enemy is relentless–
Burchard slams his fist upon the table.
BURCHARD
(seething) They have no authority to retreat! Any such action would be traitorous! I will not stand for it!
ALDO
(fearful) They are true to their kingdom, my lord, I assure you. They have fought valiantly, but the strain of war wears down even the most steadfast among men. They are weakened, and the weight of uncertainty is heavy upon them.
Burchard pauses, staring pensively into the hearth behind him.
BURCHARD
Weakness. It is a pestilence, a disease of the common man. But my men are not common, no – they are instruments of my will, my power. Power that will not be dissuaded.
ALDO
They can be saved, my lord. They are just in need of – guidance.
BURCHARD
(pensive) Very well, then. If it is guidance they seek, then it is guidance they shall receive.
ALDO
(bowing his head) What would you have me do, my lord?
Burchard sits back down at the table.
BURCHARD
Send word to the frontlines.
ALDO
(hesitantly) And… should the enemy advance further, my lord? Should our men find themselves overwhelmed?
BURCHARD
(loudly) Then they will be met with my wrath! I alone have brought prosperity to this kingdom, and I will not stand to have it brought down. I will uphold what I have built, and I expect every last man under my command to do the same. Am I understood?
ALDO
Yes, my lord. I will carry the message forth.
BURCHARD
Go, leave me now.
ALDO
Yes, my lord.
Aldo swiftly exits the room, leaving Burchard alone at the table once more. Burchard raises a glass and drinks.
