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A drama whose foundation is an overstated happening or behavior that follows characters in social situations.

A) Comedy
B) Farce
C) Tragedy
D) Melodrama

User Seamas
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Final answer:

The question pertains to a melodrama, a dramatic genre where the foundation is built on exaggerated events and characters display high levels of emotion, often in a predictable and clear-cut storyline that distinguishes between good and evil.

Step-by-step explanation:

A drama whose foundation is an overstated happening or behavior that follows characters in social situations corresponds to melodrama. This genre prioritizes the action over detailed character development and typically involves ordinary characters facing extraordinary challenges. The themes of melodrama are often very serious, with a clear distinction between good and evil, usually leading to a resolving happy ending. The melodrama is characterized by its predictable plot, the stark contrast between heroes and villains, and the often exaggerated emotional expression. It shares some traits with the tragicomedy in that it features everyday characters; however, it does not usually incorporate the comedic elements associated with a tragicomedy.

Farce, by contrast, is less serious and centers on humor through exaggerated situations and characters, often involving absurdities and improbabilities. In comparison to melodrama, farce seeks to entertain rather than to address serious issues with a heavy emotional backdrop. The necessity for justice and the contrast between good and evil are not typically features of a farce.

A tragedy deals with serious themes through the depiction of human suffering and ethical dilemmas, unlike a melodrama or farce. The end goal of a tragedy is a cathartic experience, allowing the audience to purge their emotions of pity and fear, which is not the case in a melodrama where the ultimate goal is delivering a moral message through clear distinctions of right and wrong.

Lastly, a comedy is focused on lighter themes and is designed to make the audience laugh, using a variety of settings to depict characters in humorous situations that usually conclude with a joyful resolution.

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