Script Analysis

1. Identify the MAJOR CONFLICT of the play. This is between two characters or a character and a group of characters or force.

In Ruined I think the conflict is an internal one for Mama’s character. On one side Mama is a strong woman who has created a neutral zone in a world of chaos. On the other side Mama is a wounded woman who feels broken, she will not accept that her situation is bad because of her pride.

2. Identify what these characters REPRESENT.

one part of Mama represents a strong, capable woman running a smart business in an ignorant bliss of the situation outside of her doorsteps. Towards the end of the play Mama shows us her true self she has been fighting. She is a woman who has been torn down by her own country men full of hurt.

3. Identify the TURNING POINT of the major conflict. This is the point of no return. At this point in the story the protagonist and the antagonist are destined to reach the climax of the story.

When Osembenga rushes into Mama’s place he demands to know where Kisembe is. The soldiers from each side prove to be cruel lying men. I think at this point Mama realizes she has gotten in too far. She can no longer lie to herself that she has created a safe haven in the middle of a warring country. She begins to fear she will be torn down again by war.

4. Identify the CLIMAX of the major conflict. This is the height of the conflict.

There is no where else for it to go and it breaks open, explodes, or dies. Be as specific as possible. Write the scene number and describe the specific moment.
The climax of the major conflict was in Act 2 scene 6. After Mr. Harari and his trnasport leave without Sophie, Fortune runs into the bar with Osembenga accusing Mama of hiding soldiers. He and his soldiers grab Mama, Sophie, and Josephine and throw them to the floor and are going to rape them for lying to them. At this moment Salima enters the room bleeding and screaming for the soldiers to finally stop. At this moment Salima defiantly says, “You will not fight your battles on my body anymore.” I believe at this moment the feelings Mama has had inside of her finally explode and she realizes the terrible state her country is subjected to.

5. Identify the RESOLUTION of the conflict. The conflict comes to a conclusion. Be as specific as possible. Write the scene number and describe the specific moment.

The resolution for Mama is when Christian returns and offers her his love. Even though she still refuses to go to the city and reveals to him that she is ruined he offers to stay and help her run her business. At this point I believe Mama has come to terms with herself as a woman living in these tragic times. She then accepts to dance with him.


6. Identify the FINAL ACTIONS of the two figures involved in the major conflict. Then explain its significance.

Mama’s final action of proclaiming herself as ruined showed that she has come to terms with herself as a woman who did not have protection when she needed it most and was violated for a wrongful cause. She started to accept this about herself I believe when Sophie was so sure she would break away from the jungle and be repaired. Mama came to terms with her life and sadly it is one that she shares with many other women.

7. Identify each of the characters' (in the major conflict) over all OBJECTIVES. This is a want that drives them all the way through the play. Keep this active and playable for an actor. Think of action verbs.

One part of Mama wants to be in control. The other part of Mama wants to find trust and safety

8. Identify the SUBJECT of the play. Force yourself to one word.

The subject of Ruined is truth.

9. Identify the IDEA of the play.

The idea of Ruined is that there are terrible things going on all over the world, even right outside our doorsteps. Regardless of how hard it is to accept what is going on, acting like it isn’t taking place and being neutral will not stop these things from taking place. It most certainly will not keep you out of the conflict. The ability to realize what is going on and taking action to fix what you can is necessary for change.

Write a short paragraph, 75 to 100 words that describes what the play is ABOUT to you and what it conveys. This is your interpretation of the over all meaning of the play FOR YOU.

For me the play ruined conveyed such a strong message of what is going on in the Congo to the women and families stuck in the middle of internal conflict. Mama’s character showed much denial of what was taking place around her bar, she also had a lot of resentment she displaced on the women who worked for her. I think this is relative to the media in the U.S. the lack exposure given to these issues puts many of us in a state of denial of other world issues. I interpreted this play as a way to open peoples eyes and hearts to the issues of the people in the Congo. On a greater scale I think having compassion for those around us, even the ones who seem stronger, is very important to making the world a better more accepting place.