Remember that all great drama depends on conflict and giving that conflict meaning to the characters.
For a Roman setting, use authentic details like costumes or societal issues (like dowry and marriage) to make the world feel lived-in. A Beginner's Guide on How to Write Drama - Superprof
The fire spreads rapidly. The Senator’s guards come to claim Livia, but the Senator himself has fled with his gold, leaving Livia’s father behind. Marcus uses his knowledge of the city’s underground aqueducts to lead Livia and her family to safety as the city burns. 6.5 / 10 DramaRoman...
Livia is the daughter of a wealthy merchant on the Aventine Hill. She is betrothed to a cruel, ambitious Senator, but she is secretly in love with a disgraced architect named Marcus, who is obsessed with rebuilding Rome in marble rather than wood. The Drama
As they argue, the first wisps of smoke from the Great Fire of Rome rise from the Circus Maximus. Remember that all great drama depends on conflict
Marcus and Livia survive, but they don't get a perfect "happily ever after." Marcus stays to help rebuild Rome under Nero’s new (and questionable) plans. Livia’s family is safe but penniless. They are together, but the world they knew is gone, leaving them with a hopeful but uncertain future. How to Make it Your Own
Livia's father reveals that the betrothal isn't just for status; it’s to pay off a massive debt. If she refuses, her family will be sold into slavery. The Senator’s guards come to claim Livia, but
Give your characters "goals, flaws, and stakes" to make them feel more complex.