Without dramatic action a play cannot exist. Action brings about change, and change is what gives a play meaning. In The Lake, the transferring of the ring that occurs in each scene brings about change in the story by sending a seemingly impossible couple on a lifelong journey. There are other conceivable options that could be the action of The Lake. Buddy asking Maggie to the prom almost brings about change, but it isn’t Buddy’s question that makes her say yes. She is convinced to say “yes” to him after he presents the ring to her. Some might argue that the action is the discovery of the ring. While the ring is important it cannot be considered a dramatic action. A dramatic action has to occur within the parameters of the show. We know
