Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of drama?

The correct choice highlights a fundamental aspect of drama as a genre. Drama is inherently a performative art form that involves actors bringing characters and narratives to life on stage. It is designed for performance, meaning that the script is intended to be acted out rather than merely read.

Unlike prose or poetry, which can be appreciated solely on the page, drama relies on visual and auditory elements to convey its messages, emotions, and themes. This includes not just dialogue but also stage directions that guide actors on movements and interactions with the setting and each other.

The emphasis on performance signifies that if a work is solely text-based without any intention for performance, it lacks the characteristic essence of drama. Drama is distinct for blending text with performance, hence the choice that states it is strictly text-based without any performance is accurate in identifying a characteristic that does not belong to the genre.