I don't know why i decided to write a tragedy. But this is only a short script i decided to write, but plan (if i get accepted into uni soon) to continue this into a full legnth movie script, only make the characters meet each, change their pespective on life and stuff ... what do you think? Anyway i think it needs editing, so reviews would be great
Thanks
Why Daddy?
By Nathan Atkinson
CHARACTERS
Suicidal father
Little boy
Alcoholic father
Little girl
Abusive father
Boy
2nd little boy
Soldier father
Good father
Teenage girl
Act One
Scene One
A man is sitting on the floor, head buried in hands and crying passionately; every few seconds he would mutter to himself. I can’t take it anymore. A little boy walks in and at once the mans crying ceases.
Father– I can’t take it anymore
Little boy – Take what daddy?
Father – (looks at the ground) Pain. Depression. (Head rises slowly) Life.
Little boy – Daddy what do you mean?
Father – (rises and slowly walks to the door, dragging his feet.) I just can’t take it anymore. I just need to get out. (Exits)
Little boy – Why daddy?
Scene Two
A man is sitting on a couch, with a pile of empty beer bottles lying on the floor. His daughter enters but sees his father and tries to walk out of the room before she is spotted. She is to late.
Father – (Voice slurred) Hey kid. Get here!
Little girl – But daddy…
Father – (Stands shakily to his feet) – Are you disobeying my orders kid?
Little girl – No daddy…
Father – I don’t like liars. (Pushes the little girl)
Little girl – (Trying to hold back her tears) Daddy I didn’t lie.
Father – (Pushing his daughter to the ground) I need ta get out! (Starts to walk to the exit, but turns and throws an empty beer bottle at his crying daughter. Exits)
Little girl – Why daddy?
Scene Three
A man is screaming at a boy. Every few seconds he would stop screaming and shove the boy. The boy just cries, begging his father to stop. The abusive father continues.
Father – You’re trash! That’s all you are. Useless pathetic trash that needs to be taken out. (Grabs the boys arm)
Boy – Dad that really hurts
Father – Its gonna hurt a lot more if you whine to me!
Boy – (Tries to hold back his tears)
Father – Listen! Shut up! Listen to me!! (Slaps the boys face)
Boy – (Stops crying. To stunned to move.)
Father – (Holds his head) I just need time to think! (Grabs the boy by the arm and drags him to the rood shoving him outside.)
Boy (Wiping cheek) Why Daddy?
Scene Four
A man dressed in army uniform is standing holding his child. The little boy hugs his dad and starts to whimper.
Little Boy – I don’t want you to go daddy…please stay.
Father – I don’t want to go either son…but I must, my country needs me. You understand right? (Hugs his son. Starts to walk over to the door. Stops, has one more glance at his son, then exits.)
Little Boy – You think I understand father. But all I understand is that you love and cherish this country more then me…(Wipes a tear) Why daddy?
Scene Five
A modern room comfortably furnished with a middle-aged man gently swaying in a rocking chair. His eyes are closed as he peacefully snoozes. Suddenly his teenager daughter enters…
Teenager daughter – Why the hell did you do it?
Father – (Jolts his eyes open and turns to his daughter shocked). Honey do what?
Teenager daughter – You know what I mean! Billy, the guy I was seeing. He told me my crazy old father told him to stay away from his daughter!
Father – Honey, I did it for you. He was bad news.
Teenager daughter – I just wish you would stay out of my life. I hate you and I never want to speak to you again! (Storms off)
Father – Honey, please wait. I’m sorry. (Jumps off the chair and runs after her)
Act Two
Scene One
A man stands on a table in a dark basement. In his hand he holds a rope which with shaky hands he ties a rough noose. Putting it around his neck he prepares to jump…
Father – (Mutters) why did my family be cursed with a man like me? The pain is too great, the depression seems endless… theirs no other way out… (Prepares to jump)
The mans son walks in
Little boy – Daddy are you down here? Mummy wants to … (gasps. Sees his father. Whispers.) Daddy?
Father – I’m sorry … (jumps)
Little boy – Daddy no!! (Runs over to his dead fathers’ hanging carcass. Tries to pull his dead body down. Cries in frantic gasps) No daddy. Please don’t leave me… I need you…Why daddy? WHY?
Scene Two
A drunken man walks over to his car. He pulls out his keys, stumbles for a second then drops them cursing to himself. After many futile attempts, the man in his drunken state manages to open the door of his car. He gets in forgetting to bend his head, therefore hitting it on the edge of the car roof. He curses again. The man gets in and starts the car. Begins to drive at a steady speed. Speed slowly increases. As speed increases the drunken father starts to sob. As he is driving a light at an intersection turns red. The drunken father keeps on driving unaware. Another car driving at a steady speed is coming to the side of him. The father slams the bulk of his heavy vehicle into the smaller car. They both spin wildly out of control. The father goes headfirst through the windscreen.
Three minutes pass. Sirens blare from a distance. Another two pass and a large ambulance arrives at the two destroyed vehicles. Paramedics rush out of the ambulance to the horrific accident. The paramedics place the drunken fathers’ motionless carcass on to the stretcher. In the background more paramedics rush to the other destroyed vehicle.
First Paramedic – He’s not breathing! Oh God, this is terrible! (The paramedic wipes his bewildered face with his hand.) He’s going to make it! I just know it!
Second paramedic – Jack…he’s dead… he didn’t make it.
First Paramedic – (pushes the second paramedic against the car) He’s not dead! He will make it!
Second Paramedic – Jack, you can’t save everyone…
First paramedic – yeah… I know. I just keep thinking that these poor bastards got a family somewhere… probably a child, sleeping in her bed, unaware that her fathers been horrifically killed…
Voice off – Do you mind…we need help over here!!
Both paramedics rush to the other destroyed vehicle and start running around in a frantic rush bellowing orders to the other paramedics.
Scene Three
A Boy is sitting in a gutter crying. An elderly neighbor sees the crying lad and walks over to him and gently puts his hand on the boys shoulder…
Elderly man – What’s the matter boy? Where did you get these marks? (Points to the boy’s cheek and arm)
Boy – I was playing yesterday when I fell and grazed my arm. It was nothing.
Elderly man – (looks at the boy, unbelieving.) Is that the truth son? All you have to do is tell me; ill help with your problems… I’m here for you… (Gets up and turns to walk away)
Boy – (looking at the ground) My father hit me …
The man stops and slowly turns around
Elderly man – Wait here son. I’ll have a word with your father.
Boy – Don’t, please don’t! He really does love me… Things will be okay…
Elderly man – Listen to me son. I want you to trust me. Everything will be all right you just wait and see. (Pats the boy on the shoulder. Gets up and walks to the boys’ house. Knocks)
The father opens the door.
Father – What the hell do you want?
Elderly man – I seem to have noticed a few scars on your son’s arms and cheeks… I was just concerned.
Father – (Smirks) Of course…come in. We can talk about this inside…
The elderly man nods his head and walks inside. The father shoots a nasty glance at the whimpering child still crying in the gutter. He turns and follows the elderly man inside.
Father – So what did you come to see me about?
Elderly man – I was curious about the marks on your son. They look pretty violent.
Father – What are you saying? Those marks on my son are of his own accord. Yesterday when he was playing he tripped and grazed himself…
Elderly man – it doesn’t look like much of a graze to me.
Father – What do you think you are getting at? Are you suggesting I hit my own son?
Elderly man – It did cross my mind… And if what I speak is true then I’ll alert the authorities of your actions.
Father – That would be a mistake…I warn you, don’t do it, I don’t want anyone to get hurt…(Fidgets with a kitchen knife)
Elderly man – (backs off) Are you threatening me? Don’t do anything stupid, think of your son!
Father – I am thinking of my son. When that smart-ass shows him in this house I’m gonna show him discipline and I’m not going to let a nosy neighbor question my fathering methods.
The abusive father clenches the knife in his hand. The old man seeing this backs off even more.
Elderly man – That’s not discipline, that’s abuse! How can you do this to your own flesh and blood? He’s your son! You’re meant to love him, hold him when his upset, for gods sake be there for him!
The father lowers the knife. In that second the elderly man charges knocking the knife to the ground. The elderly man scrambles to the knife and picks it up it holds it up to defend himself. In a threatening manner the abusive father charges at the elderly man plunging himself by accident into the pointed blade. Both man stare at each other both shocked at what they had done. Finally the abusive father falls to the ground. The elderly man gazes at his bloody hands, shocked. The elderly man falls to his knees sobbing hysterically. Hearing a noise, he turns to his right and sees the boy staring at his dead father and the bloody murderer. The boy runs out of the room.
Scene four
A young woman is humming a happy tune. She slowly walks to the letterbox, opens it and grabs the few unopened letters that await her. She slowly walks back to the house still humming the same tune. Sorting through the mail, she comes to a letter that grabs her attention. Glancing cautiously at the unopened letter, she slowly begins to open the letter that she had long since dreaded…
Young woman – (Reading the letter out loud)
Dear Mrs. Andrews
It is my regretful duty to inform you that your husband, Lieutenant Jeffery Roy Andrews has made the supreme sacrifice in the service of his country.
(The young woman falls to the chair in a shocked state. She drops the letter to the ground.)
The little boy enters the lounge room and sees his mother crying uncontrollably. He glances downwards and spots the letter soaked in tears lying on the ground in front of his mother. The young woman glances up at her son. He run out of the room as the horrible truth dawns on him.
Scene Five
A middle-aged man is walking through a park, every few seconds his worried voice would call out his daughter name. Suddenly a hand gags the mans mouth cutting his words short. The man tries to struggle but stops when he feels a gun jabbed into his side…
Stranger – Don’t ya think it’s a bit late to be out on your own old man?
Father – Please, please, I was just looking for my daughter…
Stranger – What’s the rush? You’ve got all night for that.
Father – Please let me go… I just want to find my daughter… I’ll do anything
Stranger – (Jabbing the gun even more into the fathers ribs) you think you’re so good, with your family. I bet you even have a nice house… a good job, a bootiful wife, a life worth living for. I wish I had a life like that, I guess you could say I’m jealous…
Father – Please, put the gun down. I’ll give you anything; money isn’t an issue.
Stranger – Quit rubbing it in old man! I know ya got plenty! (Shoves the father to the ground. The stranger points the gun at the back of the fathers’ head) I’d like to see a rich man grovel before me… never seen them beg before…
Father – Please don’t kill me! I have a family to think of!!
Stranger – (Shoves the gun in the fathers mouth) just shut up will ya… I got no family, all gone…
Father – (Crying) Please… Let me help you
Stranger – I don’t need your pity… I don’t need you money, your family or your house. I just want you to realize what I’m going through, the pain I feel like when I wake up each morning! (Cocks the trigger)
Father – Please no! Don’t… (The gun fired. The father drops to the ground)
Stranger – Oh shit … (Drops the gun) what have I done … (runs off)
Act Three
Scene One
A group of people are seated on chairs positioned in a circle. One stands up and walks to the front of the group speaking in a low husky voice. Looking into his eyes, you could tell that the world had not been friendly, that he had witnessed an event that the pain lingered long after … the conversation between the other people stops as the teenager begins to speak …
Teenager – (The teenager walks to the center stage. He takes a deep breath) Ten years ago…my father killed himself. I witnessed it as a child. He thought there was no way out…that the pain was too great. He thought he was hurting no one but himself. But my father was wrong. It didn’t hurt him … the pain was over for him in a matter of minutes. But for me the pain lives on. (Starts to sob) I used to blame myself. Every morning when I woke up I would ask myself the questions …Why daddy? What is wrong with me? Was it because of me that you killed yourself? My father’s selfish deed had taken my childhood and ate its way slowly into my teenage years. Only when I had answered those questions was I at peace. There was nothing wrong with me. It was not because of me that you had killed yourself… I am free and now I wish to say to my father … (has trouble saying the words) I forgive you…
Scene Two
A young lady is seated on a large lounge chair. Next to her sits an elderly woman. Both are sobbing. The younger woman’s eyes seem apologetic and she speaks in a low, rushed voice.
Young Lady – I’m so sorry…. I could have done something …
Older woman – You were only a child … the death of my son was not your fault
Young Lady – You speak so calmly (Sobs) don’t you get it? My drunken father killed your son!
Older Lady – (Sobs) I know … When I heard that horrible news, I thought they had the wrong person… my son couldn’t be dead …He was all I had… I lived a lie for years and years. I expected my son to return home. Every time I heard a knock on the door, I would fling it open expecting to see my son with outstretched arms. For him to say, ‘its alright mum, I’m home’. I have finally accepted the truth, my sons not coming home … he’s (Chokes back a sob) Dead… But honey, my son would have wanted me to live life to its fullest, to not forget him, but live life dedicated to him. He would have wanted me to be happy … and I believe that would be what your father would want … Behind the alcoholic father that you knew, their was a man that loved you … he would want you to be happy …
Young Lady – (Silence) I wish I could look at it like that … (Stands) But I’m sorry. I can’t. When I think of my father, I see an alcoholic man, who cared about his selfish ways more then me …I’m glad your happy… I really am … (Walks to door) I’m so sorry … (exits)
Older lady – (Sits) She has so much pain… I hope and pray that time will heal her wounds … let the past rest and for her to continue her life …
Scene Three
A teenager is seated on a hard chair facing a glass wall. He speaks into a phone. A criminal dressed in an orange jumpsuit is speaking into the other side of the phone. They both talk with a low voice and both seem depressed. The teenagers voice deepens and begins to speak…
Teenager – Why did you do it? You had no part in our problems.
Criminal – I couldn’t let a small boy be abused… I hadta step in.
Teenager – I was handling it my own way! (Raises voice.) I didn’t need your help. (People sitting next to the frantic teenager stare at him. He notices their gawks so he lowers his voice)
Criminal – I know that, but I have lived my life… you were only starting…don’t worry about me.
Teenager – But it’s so hard, you were put behind bars because of me. You killed my father, set me free of the monster that was destroying my life, I feel as if it is my fault.
Criminal – Your father’s actions were not because of you. He was a man with many problems and his way to deal with those problems was to lash out at the person closest to him. And that my friend was you…
Teenager – I understand, I just wish there was something I could do for you.
Criminal – (Laughs) Don’t worry about me… I’m going to be here for a long time, but I would never change the past… I set free a small child from the clutches of an abusive man… I am happy knowing that your life will be different, changed and a much more happier life …
Scene Four
A line of men, dressed in army uniforms salute a coffin. On the coffin is placed medals of various shapes and colors. A young boy walks onto the pew in front of the men. He begins to speak in a low, rushed, frightened voice.
Young boy – My father was killed in the war. But I remember me saying to myself that my dad loved this country more then me…but I was wrong. He died in this war because he was fighting for my freedom. I wish I could have one more minute with my father, just to tell him how much I love him, to hug him, to kiss him, to say goodbye. I just wish I could tell my father that he is my hero. Each and every one of you respected and saluted my dad. He was a brave man and I too salute him. (Salutes) Dad I know you love me and you are my hero … forever …
Scene Five
An older lady stands before a gravestone. She bends down and places a rose in front of the old stone that conceals her father. The lady speaks to the stone as if it could hear her…
Middle-aged lady – Father, it has been many years now. Throughout my life I have cursed myself for saying that I hated you. I bet you hated me too, for a great man like you could never love me…I’d understand if the last thought you had was of me living a life in misery… I’d deserve that. (A hand grabs her shoulder. She turns around shocked) who’s that!
An older man stands before her. He looks depressed as if he has lived a life full of weeping and cursing. His voice sounds apologetic.
Stranger – You think your father hated you? I tell you what you think is the complete opposite of what he felt.
Middle-aged lady – Who are you to tell me what my father felt? You didn’t know him!
Stranger – (Looks to the ground. Voice sounds hurt) I was with him when he died…
Middle-aged lady – (Jumps up and yells) That’s a lie! It’s impossible! The police said there were no witnesses. All they found was a gun and no fingerprints were discovered. …the murderer wore gloves.
Stranger – (Voice cracks) I was with him when he died… he told me of his family and how he was out in the dangerous streets looking for his daughter. He mentioned you and his family several times.
Middle-aged lady – You lie! It is impossible! Stop tormenting me with the past…there were no witnesses!
Stranger – You’re right, there were no witnesses…(pause) I was the murderer. (Pulls out a gun) For years I have been living in torment… I cannot go on, knowing I killed a righteous family man. (Aims gun at head) I’m so sorry, if I could change the past I would…(Fires)
Middle-aged lady – (Sobs. Falls to the ground) I thought when the murderer was killed, I would be satisfied, but I was wrong. Revenge got me nothing. (Forces a smile) Father you did love me, I was foolish to have thought otherwise … thank you…daddy.
END
By Nathan Atkinson
Poll
