Definition & Meaning of "morality play"

What is a "morality play"?

A morality play is a type of drama that was popular in medieval times, designed to teach moral lessons and ethical behavior through its storyline. The characters in these plays often represent abstract qualities like Virtue, Vice, or Sin, and the plot usually revolves around a central figure who faces various choices and challenges that reflect moral dilemmas. The goal of a morality play is to educate the audience about right and wrong, encouraging them to live a virtuous life by illustrating the consequences of moral and immoral actions.