Which genre of drama was popular in the 15th and early 16th centuries and aimed at conveying moral lessons?

The genre of Morality Plays was particularly significant in the 15th and early 16th centuries as it aimed to convey moral lessons and impart ethical teachings to its audience. These plays often depicted allegorical characters representing virtues and vices, and the narratives typically revolved around moral dilemmas and the struggle for salvation.

Morality Plays served as an accessible means for the largely illiterate population to understand complex moral concepts and religious teachings through storytelling and performance. The format encouraged both reflection and education, as audiences could relate to the characters' challenges and the choices they faced, often culminating in moral instruction or repentance.

This focus on moral instruction distinctly characterizes Morality Plays, setting them apart from other genres like tragedy, which revolves around the downfall of protagonists, or farce, which prioritizes comedic elements and absurdity over moral messages. Similarly, romance plays often focus on love and relationships, lacking the direct moral teaching found in Morality Plays.