In recent years, the ensemble drama has emerged as one of the most captivating storytelling formats in television. Among these, Netflix’s The Crown stands as a towering example of how to craft a multifaceted narrative with intricate characters and historical depth. Created by Peter Morgan, The Crown is not just a story about the British monarchy but a masterclass in the art of ensemble storytelling. For screenwriters, the show’s success provides invaluable insights into how to balance a sprawling cast, weave multiple storylines, and maintain thematic coherence.
In this article, we’ll explore how The Crown exemplifies the rise of the ensemble drama, diving into its narrative techniques, character development, and structural precision.
What is an Ensemble Drama?
Before dissecting The Crown, it’s important to define what sets an ensemble drama apart from other narrative forms. Unlike stories centered on a single protagonist, ensemble dramas distribute focus across multiple characters, each with their own arcs and perspectives. These characters often intersect within a shared context—a family, workplace, or historical backdrop—providing varied angles on central themes.
The ensemble format allows for:
- Rich Characterization: Each character’s journey can reflect different facets of the central theme.
- Narrative Complexity: Multiple storylines offer depth and variety.
- Dynamic Interplay: Characters influence and challenge one another, driving the story forward.
The Crown takes these principles and elevates them through its historical lens and nuanced exploration of power, duty, and personal identity.
Crafting a Historical Ensemble: The Vision Behind The Crown
Peter Morgan’s approach to The Crown begins with its foundation as a historical drama. Set against the backdrop of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, the show spans decades, touching on significant political events, social upheavals, and personal tribulations within the royal family. Writing a story this expansive demands careful planning and an acute understanding of history.
The “Zoom-In, Zoom-Out” Method
Morgan’s writing balances the macro and micro perspectives:
- Macro: Major historical events—the Suez Crisis, the Apollo 11 landing, or Thatcher’s reign—serve as anchors for the narrative. These moments frame the political and cultural shifts that define an era.
- Micro: Intimate character moments bring humanity to the larger-than-life figures. For instance, Queen Elizabeth’s private struggles with motherhood or Prince Philip’s existential questions create a sense of relatability.
This dual focus enriches the ensemble format by ensuring that each character’s personal arc reflects the broader historical themes.
Writing Complex Characters: The Heart of The Crown
At its core, The Crown thrives on its characters. Each member of the ensemble contributes uniquely to the show’s exploration of power, loyalty, and identity. Writing such a diverse array of characters requires meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to authenticity.
Giving Each Character a Voice
One of The Crown’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to make each character’s voice distinct. Consider the following examples:
- Queen Elizabeth II: As the central figure, Elizabeth embodies the tension between duty and personal desire. Her dialogue often reflects restraint and formality, mirroring her role as a monarch.
- Prince Philip: Philip’s storylines often explore masculinity, ambition, and insecurity. His more casual and blunt tone contrasts with Elizabeth’s reserve.
- Margaret Thatcher: Introduced in later seasons, Thatcher’s clipped, pragmatic dialogue underscores her determination and ideological rigidity.
By crafting specific voices for each character, the writers ensure that no one fades into the background, even in an expansive ensemble.
Evolving Characters Over Time
One challenge of writing an ensemble drama set over decades is depicting character evolution authentically. In The Crown, time is a powerful narrative tool. Characters age, grow, and change as history marches on:
- Queen Elizabeth’s Maturity: From a young queen uncertain of her authority to a seasoned ruler balancing tradition and modernization, Elizabeth’s evolution anchors the series.
- Princess Margaret’s Rebellion: Margaret’s arc captures her longing for freedom and individuality, which clashes with the confines of royal life.
- Prince Charles’s Struggles: Charles’s development—marked by his turbulent marriage to Diana—reveals the human cost of royal expectations.
This evolution ensures that characters remain dynamic, reflecting the passage of time and shifting societal norms.
Structuring the Ensemble Narrative
With such a vast array of characters and storylines, how does The Crown maintain coherence? The answer lies in its carefully constructed episodic structure and overarching narrative design.
Episodic Focus
Each episode of The Crown often centers on a specific event or theme, providing a contained narrative within the broader arc. For instance:
- “Aberfan” (Season 3, Episode 3): This episode focuses on the tragic mining disaster, exploring themes of leadership and empathy.
- “Tywysog Cymru” (Season 3, Episode 6): The episode highlights Prince Charles’s investiture as Prince of Wales, delving into questions of identity and duty.
By dedicating episodes to individual characters or events, the show ensures that every member of the ensemble has moments to shine.
Interweaving Storylines
While episodes may spotlight specific characters, the show’s overarching narrative threads connect these moments. Subplots unfold over seasons, creating a tapestry of interrelated stories. For example:
- The Queen and Prime Ministers: The evolving relationships between Elizabeth and her prime ministers serve as a recurring theme, reflecting the intersection of monarchy and politics.
- Family Dynamics: The ongoing tension between personal desires and royal obligations ties together the individual arcs of characters like Margaret, Charles, and Diana.
This interplay between episodic focus and long-term storytelling creates a sense of both immediacy and continuity.
Themes That Resonate
Beyond its historical and character-driven elements, The Crown resonates because of its universal themes. These themes give the ensemble drama its emotional weight, transcending its royal setting.
Duty vs. Desire
At the heart of The Crown is the tension between duty and personal fulfillment. Almost every character grapples with this conflict:
- Elizabeth sacrifices personal desires to uphold her role as queen.
- Margaret’s pursuit of love and individuality often clashes with royal expectations.
- Diana’s struggle to find happiness within the confines of her marriage echoes the broader theme of personal freedom versus institutional constraint.
Power and Its Costs
The show also examines the cost of power. While the monarchy symbolizes privilege, The Crown emphasizes the personal sacrifices it demands. Characters like Philip and Charles reveal the emotional toll of living under constant scrutiny.
Legacy and Change
As a historical drama, The Crown frequently contrasts tradition with progress. From Elizabeth’s early efforts to modernize the monarchy to the cultural shifts of the 1980s, the series reflects the challenges of adapting to change while preserving legacy.
Lessons for Screenwriters
For aspiring screenwriters, The Crown offers a wealth of lessons in crafting ensemble dramas:
- Prioritize Character Depth: Even in a large cast, ensure each character has a distinct voice and meaningful arc.
- Balance Scope and Focus: Use episodic storytelling to highlight individual narratives while maintaining an overarching structure.
- Leverage Themes: Anchor your ensemble with universal themes that resonate across storylines.
- Embrace Ambiguity: Avoid simplistic characterizations; instead, explore the complexities and contradictions of your characters.
Conclusion: The Power of Ensemble Storytelling
The Crown exemplifies the rise of the ensemble drama by combining meticulous character work, historical depth, and thematic resonance. For screenwriters, its success underscores the power of ensemble storytelling to captivate audiences and illuminate complex subjects.
As the television landscape continues to evolve, the ensemble drama remains a powerful vehicle for exploring human experiences. Whether set in a royal palace, a small town, or a sprawling metropolis, these stories remind us of the interconnectedness of lives and the shared struggles that define us all.
✍️ Whether you’re mastering the art of dialogue, structure, or character development, the power of AI can be a game-changer in your writing journey. My Free Ebook, ‘AI for Authors’ delves into how AI-powered prompts can provide a unique edge to your storytelling process. If you’re intrigued by the prospect of supercharging your fiction skills, download your free copy today and explore new horizons in creative writing.
A.I. in Screen Trade 