Anton Chekhov, alongside Henrik Ibsen and August Strindberg, is often regarded as one of the three pivotal figures in early modern drama. Similar to Ibsen's Brand, Chekhov's play The Seagull, first published in 1895, intentionally defies the theatrical norms of its time. Rather than escalating the dramatic tension as the play progresses, Chekhov diminishes it. Instead of focusing on a single main character, he introduces multiple key figures. Additionally, the play incorporates the kind of explicit symbolism commonly found in Ibsen's works.

Ibsen's A Doll House, originally released in Norwegian in 1879 and translated into English as A Doll's House in 1889, is one of his most renowned and debated works. The narrative explores the oppression and eventual liberation of a woman trapped in a middle-class marriage, and it was ahead of its time in advocating for women's rights.

Peer Gynt (1867), penned by Ibsen immediately following Brand, serves as a stark contrast to its predecessor, as demonstrated by their title characters. While Brand is a fervent pastor, Peer Gynt is known for being a storyteller and a deceiver. The tone of Peer Gynt is significantly lighter compared to the intense religious themes in Brand. Many consider Brand to be the quintessential work depicting life in Norway during that era.

In the late 14th century, poet William Langland composed three versions of a Middle English poem titled ‘‘The Vision of Piers Plowman.’’ In contemporary translations, the poem is often referred to simply as ‘‘Piers Plowman.’’ The narrative follows the titular character through a series of dream visions, in which he has numerous religious experiences and ultimately stands against the corruption he encounters in both religious and political spheres of his time.

C. S. Lewis, a 20th-century Oxford professor and English literary figure, underwent a significant conversion to Christianity. Following this transformation, he became a vocal advocate, delivering numerous radio talks on different facets of Christianity. Mere Christianity, first published in 1952, compiles and elaborates on three of Lewis's radio broadcasts—‘‘The Case for Christianity," "Christian Behaviour,’’ and ‘‘Beyond Personality.’’ These discussions collectively present the fundamental tenets of Christianity in a casual and engaging manner.

August Strindberg, along with Ibsen and Chekhov, is recognized as one of the three leading playwrights in the early modern drama movement. Among Strindberg's most acclaimed works is Miss Julie, first published in Swedish in 1888 and translated into English in 1912. This play was crafted without the traditional act divisions, breaking away from the stage conventions of the 19th century.