1. a dramatic work characterized by exaggerated emotions, sensational events, and clear distinctions between good and evil characters
Usage: theater; literature
2. behavior or events that are overly dramatic, emotional, or sensational

Examples

• The 19th-century melodrama featured a villain twirling his mustache.
• Victorian audiences loved melodramas with their clear heroes and villains.
• Stop the melodrama and just tell me what happened.
• Her reaction to the minor criticism was pure melodrama.
• The soap opera was full of melodrama and unlikely plot twists.
• He accused her of turning every small problem into melodrama.
• The play was criticized for its melodrama and lack of subtlety.