When did Morality plays emerge?

Morality plays emerged at the beginning of the 15th century as a significant genre of medieval drama. These plays, which were allegorical in nature, aimed to teach moral lessons and often featured personified virtues and vices, representing human characteristics and moral challenges. The emergence of morality plays during this time period aligned with a growing interest in individual morality and ethics, reflective of the societal changes occurring in Europe.

The development of this theatrical form was influenced by earlier religious dramas and the desire to convey moral teachings in a more engaging and accessible manner. Unlike mystery plays, which focused on biblical narratives, morality plays often highlighted the moral conflicts faced by individuals in daily life, making them more relatable to audiences of the time. Thus, the 15th century marks the beginning of a distinct theatrical tradition that would influence storytelling in Western theatre for centuries to come.