What term describes suggestions that can be developed into a drama, such as a photo or a quotation?

The term that describes suggestions which can be developed into a drama, such as a photo or a quotation, is "Stimulus." In the context of drama, a stimulus serves as an initial inspiration or a starting point for creating a performance or piece of work. It can evoke ideas, emotions, or narratives that inform the script, characters, and staging.

Stimuli are important in the development of drama because they provide a tangible reference or provoke thought and conversation among creators and performers. Both visual and textual stimuli can lead to discussions about themes, character motivations, settings, and more, ultimately shaping the overall production.

While the other terms—theme, concept, and motif—are all relevant in the context of drama, they denote different aspects of production. A theme refers to the central message or underlying idea of a play, a concept relates to the overarching vision behind a piece, and a motif is a recurring element that enhances thematic depth or unity within a performance. These elements can arise from the exploration of stimuli, but they do not serve as the initial starting point for the creative process in the same way a stimulus does.