dramatising

Dramatising is the act or process of presenting a narrative as drama or of increasing its emotional intensity to create a heightened theatrical effect. In British English, the verb is dramatise with the present participle dramatising; the related noun is dramatisation. The American English equivalents are dramatize and dramatization. The term derives from drama, with the -ise or -ize suffix indicating a process or action.

Usage and senses: In theatre, film, and literature, to dramatise a story means to adapt or stage it so that it emphasises conflict, dialogue, and character arcs, often by shaping pacing and focus around dramatic moments. In journalism, education, and everyday speech, dramatising can also describe presenting events in a more sensational or emotionally charged way than the facts strictly support. This broader sense carries a neutral description of technique in some contexts but may carry a critical or negative connotation when it involves distortion or exaggeration.

Examples: A novel may be dramatised for the stage with added dialogue and scenes; a documentary might dramatise a historical event through reconstructions; a news article might be said to dramatise the incident if it highlights extraordinary details or emotional reactions. In education, dramatisation can be used as a method to engage learners by acting out historical or scientific scenarios.

Dramatising as a process sits at the intersection of art and communication, balancing engagement with fidelity to source material.