What characterizes a ballad?

A ballad is characterized by its narrative form, which tells a story through its lyrics. This storytelling aspect often involves characters, a plot, and emotional experiences, making it a compelling form of music that engages listeners through its plot development. Traditionally, ballads were often passed down orally, narrating historical events, romantic tales, or personal experiences, which is crucial in understanding their role in cultural storytelling.

While other forms of music may focus on emotion or feature specific musical structures, such as stanzas or time signatures, these do not encapsulate the essence of a ballad. Instead, the narrative quality ensures that ballads serve as a vehicle for storytelling, often creating a deeper connection with the audience as they follow the unfolding tale. Additionally, the idea of a dance tune played in a specific time signature, while relevant to certain musical forms, does not pertain to the narrative nature that defines a ballad.