Morality plays are a genre of medieval drama that emerged in the 15th century. They were designed to teach moral lessons and illustrate the struggle between good and evil. These plays often featured allegorical characters, such as Everyman, who represented various human traits and faced challenges that reflected moral dilemmas. Typically performed in churches or public spaces, morality plays aimed to educate audiences about ethical behavior and the consequences of sin. They combined elements of religious themes and entertainment, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience. This genre laid the groundwork for later theatrical forms, influencing the development of drama in Western literature.